Question 1

Most children with AIDS contracted their disease (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   during intrauterine life with an HIV-positive mother.
B)   during the birth process of an HIV-positive mother.
C)   from other children who are HIV positive.
D)   from receiving a transfusion contaminated with the HIV virus.
E)   from breast feeding by an HIV-positive mother. A, B, D, E

Question 2

A patient states that he feels terrific, but a blood test shows that he is HIV-positive. It is important for the nurse to discuss with him that HIV may remain dormant for several years. During this time, the patient

Accepted Answer

A)   is not dangerous to anyone.
B)   experiences minor symptoms only.
C)   experiences decreased immunity.
D)   is contagious. D

Question 3

Kaposi's sarcoma is a common problem in patients with AIDS. The nurse should instruct the patient who is diagnosed with AIDS to report which sign of Kaposi's sarcoma?

Accepted Answer

A)   Reddish-purple skin lesions
B)   Open, bleeding skin lesions
C)   Blood-tinged sputum
D)   Watery diarrhea A

Question 4

In reviewing a patient's chart to determine whether she has progressed from HIV disease to AIDS, the nurse should look for

Accepted Answer

A)   CD4+ count below 500, chronic fatigue, night sweats.
B)   HIV-positive test result, CD4+ count below 200, history of opportunistic disease.
C)   weight loss, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, chronic diarrhea.
D)   fever, chills, CD4+ count below 200.

Question 5

To be diagnosed as having AIDS, the patient must be HIV-positive, have a compromised immune system without known immune system disease or recent organ transplant, and present with

Accepted Answer

A)   opportunistic infection.
B)   a positive ELISA or Western blot test.
C)   weight loss, fever, and generalized lymphedema.
D)   CD4+ lymphocyte count below 200 mm³.

Question 6

Snacks such as bananas and apricot nectar, which are high in potassium, are recommended because

Accepted Answer

A)   electrolytes are lost through fever.
B)   diarrhea is a common problem.
C)   snacks help fight fatigue.
D)   potassium helps fight infection.

Question 7

Nutritional management can help control diarrhea. Which foods would be recommended on a diarrhea diet? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Bananas and apricot nectar
B)   Ensure
C)   Broccoli
D)   Cooked fruits and vegetables
E)   Red meatF)  Raw fruits and vegetables

Question 8

A 21-year-old male who has been an IV heroin user has been experiencing fever, weight loss, and diarrhea and has been diagnosed as having AIDS. At this time, he has a low-grade fever, severe diarrhea, and a productive cough. He is admitted with Pneumocystis jiroveci. When caring for the patient, the nurse should

Accepted Answer

A)   use a gown, mask, and gloves when assisting the patient with his bath.
B)   wear a gown when assisting the patient to use the bedpan.
C)   use a gown, mask, and gloves to administer oral medications.
D)   use a mask when taking the patient's temperature.

Question 9

A patient asks the nurse, "How does HIV cause AIDS?" The nurse's response should be

Accepted Answer

A)   "HIV attacks the immune system, a system that protects the body from foreign invaders, making it unable to protect the body from organisms that cause diseases."
B)   "HIV breaks down the circulatory system, making the body unable to assimilate oxygen and nutrients."
C)   "HIV attacks the respiratory system, making the lungs more susceptible to organisms that cause pneumonia."
D)   "HIV attacks the digestive system, decreasing the absorption of essential nutrients and causing weight loss and fatigue."

Question 10

While teaching community groups about AIDS, the nurse informs people that the most common method of transmission of the HIV virus currently is

Accepted Answer

A)   sexual contact with an HIV-infected partner.
B)   perinatal transmission.
C)   exposure to contaminated blood.
D)   nonsexual exposure to saliva and tears.

Question 11

In addition to handwashing, what important precaution must the nurse take when changing the dressing of an AIDS patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Wearing mask
B)   Wearing gown and gloves
C)   Wearing gloves
D)   Strict isolation

Question 12

The HIV patient asks the nurse about what to expect in terms of disease progression. The nurse tells this patient that although the disease can vary greatly among individuals, the usual pattern of progression includes

Accepted Answer

A)   viremia, clinical latency, opportunistic diseases, and death.
B)   asymptomatic phase, clinical latency, ARC, and AIDS.
C)   acute retroviral syndrome, early infection, early symptomatic disease, and AIDS.
D)   transitional viral syndrome, inactive disease, early symptomatic infection, and opportunistic diseases.

Question 13

The patient, age 21, has been treated for chlamydia and has a history of recurrent herpes. What should the nurse plan to do next?

Accepted Answer

A)   Counsel this patient about her sexual history, risk reduction measures, and testing for HIV.
B)   Refer this patient to a family planning clinic.
C)   Counsel this patient about testing for HIV and what the test results mean.
D)   Counsel this patient about abstinence and a monogamous relationship.

Question 14

A patient has just been told by his physician that he is HIV-positive. He asks the nurse, "When will I get AIDS?" The nurse's response should be

Accepted Answer

A)   "Most people get AIDS within 3 to 12 weeks after they are infected with HIV."
B)   "Don't worry. You may never get AIDS if you eat properly, exercise, and get plenty of rest."
C)   "It varies with every individual, but the average time is 8 to 10 years from the time a person is infected, and some go much longer."
D)   "You can expect to develop signs and symptoms of AIDS within 6 months."

Question 15

Members of the local emergency medical service unit have just transported an accident victim to the emergency department. They tell the ED nurse that the victim has AIDS, and they have blood on their hands and clothing. The nurse advises them to wash their hands and to change any clothing that is wet with blood. The nurse talks to them about getting a baseline HIV test and about future testing. They ask the nurse how long it will take before they will know if they are infected. The nurse's response should be

Accepted Answer

A)   "You will need to be tested in 6 weeks and regularly for the next 10 years, because that is the average length of time it takes to detect the virus by testing."
B)   "You will need to be tested in 3 months and again in 6 months, because 95% of people seroconvert to antibody-positive in 3 months and 99% in 6 months."
C)   "Transmission by occupational exposure is rare. There is no need for you to be concerned."
D)   "You will need to be tested in 3 weeks, because most people seroconvert in that length of time."

Question 16

A nursing intervention to help infected HIV patients regain lost weight is

Accepted Answer

A)   schedule procedures that are painful, stressful, or nauseating immediately before a meal.
B)   eat small meals throughout the day.
C)   eat three big meals a day to provide for proper rest.
D)   weigh the patient weekly to prevent frustration.

Question 17

For most people who are HIV-positive, marker antibodies are usually present 10 to 12 weeks after exposure. The development of these antibodies is called

Accepted Answer

A)   immunocompetence.
B)   seroconversion.
C)   opportunistic infection.
D)   immunodeficiency.

Question 18

HIV patients who are suffering from depression should be frequently assessed for

Accepted Answer

A)   physical decline.
B)   fear of death.
C)   support systems.
D)   suicidal ideation.

Question 19

Interventions such as promotion of nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction should be undertaken by the nurse for patients who have HIV infection, primarily because these interventions will

Accepted Answer

A)   promote a feeling of well-being in the patient.
B)   improve immune function.
C)   prevent transmission of the virus to others.
D)   increase the patient's strength and ability to care for him- or herself.

Question 20

Which nutritional intake will assist the patient in regaining lost weight? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Increase fluid intake
B)   Limit protein and fat intake
C)   Offer nutritional supplements (Boost, Sustacal, etc.) 
D)   Eat several small meals during the day
E)   Provide referrals to dietitians and social workersF)  Weigh patient monthly

Exam 16: Care of the Patient With HIV-Aids