A home health nurse is preparing to visit a patient who is bedbound after complications from HIV/AIDS. A review of the medical record reveals a new prescription for thalidomide. What conclusion can the nurse draw from this information?
1. The patient has developed severe wasting syndrome.
2. The patient has developed a candidiasis infection of the oral mucosa.
3. The patient's antiretroviral medications have been effective, resulting in the use of a less toxic medication.
4. The patient's pneumonia has worsened, so a stronger antibiotic has been prescribed.
1
Rationale 1: Thalidomide is used to improve appetite by suppressing TNF production and is used only in cases of severe wasting syndrome.
Rationale 2: Thalidomide is not used to treat candidiasis.
Rationale 3: Thalidomide is not an antiretroviral and is very toxic. It is used only in very controlled and specific situations.
Rationale 4: Thalidomide is not an antibiotic.
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The nurse understands that which of the following patients in the hospital is at the greatest risk for cardiogenic shock?
A) The 76-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus and previous myocardial infarction (MI) B) The 42-year-old male who has mitral valve prolapse with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 65% C) The 52-year-old female with a recent small anteroseptal wall MI D) The 84-year-old female with hypertension
When identifying dietary foods high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which of these foods should the client choose?
a. fowl c. olive oil b. nuts d. sunflower seeds
A client has been NPO after a colectomy with nasogastric (NG) suction in place. On assessment, the nurse finds the client reporting cramps in the calves. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Document findings and notify the physician. b. Stop suction and request that the laboratory draw arterial blood gases. c. Prepare to administer lorazepam (Ativan). d. Raise the siderails and notify the physician.
The healthcare worker should stay with patients until they ________ their medications to prevent them from spitting them out when not being observed.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).