Chapter 55: Care of the Patient with HIV/AIDS

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. When assigned to a newly admitted patient with AIDS, the nurse says, “I’m pregnant. It is not safe for me or my baby if I am assigned to his case.” Which is the most appropriate response by the charge nurse? a. “This patient would not be a risk for your baby if you use standard precautions and avoid direct contact with blood or body fluids.” b. “You should ask for a transfer to another unit because contact with this patient would put you and your baby at risk for AIDS.” c. “Wear a mask, gown, and gloves every time you go into his room and use disposable trays, plates, and utensils to serve his meals.” d. “We should recommend that this patient be transferred to an isolation unit.” ANS: A HIV is transmitted from human to human through infected blood, semen, cervicovaginal secretions, and breast milk. The use of Standard Precautions by all staff members for all patients all the time simplifies this issue. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Pages 1996, Box 55-6 OBJ:6TOP:Transmission of AIDS KEY:Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC:NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment 2 2. The anxious male patient is fearful that he has been exposed to a person with an HIV infection. He states he does not want to go to a laboratory for the ELISA tests because he does not want to be identified. What would be the nurse’s most helpful response? a. “There really is not an option, you will need to get the Western blot test first.” b. “There is an FDA-approved home test called OraQuick.” c. “The rapid test Reveal can identify all the HIV strains.” d. “You can be tested anonymously for ELISA. If you are seronegative, your concerns are over.” ANS: B The OraQuick is a home OTC test approved by the FDA. One seronegative on the ELISA is not evidence because seroconversion may not have taken place. The Western blot test follows if the ELISA is positive.