A client whose VDRL test was positive asks the nurse if he has syphilis. The nurse's best response is
a. "A blood culture is necessary to make the diagnosis."
b. "A positive VDRL indicates syphilis."
c. "The FTA-ABS test will need to be done."
d. "This study is specific for gonorrhea."
C
The Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test may be false-positive if performed during the early stages of several common viral illnesses. The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) serologic test is more specific because it measures antibodies specific to Treponema pallidum. FTA-ABS is used when VDRL is positive but the diagnosis of syphilis is still uncertain. Blood cultures are not used to diagnose syphilis, and the VDRL is not used to test for gonorrhea.
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When negative or hostile conversation occurs, which of the following actions is most appropriate?
1. Respond immediately to what is said. 2. Always stop and listen rather than responding. 3. React forcefully and negatively to what has been said. 4. Be reactive rather than proactive.
A client has continued to seek medical attention over the last 8 months regarding his health status, despite physical examination findings being consistently negative. The nurse concludes that this client's behavior is consistent with
a. compulsive disorder. b. generalized anxiety disorder. c. panic disorder. d. post-traumatic stress disorder.
Experts advocate the following when refeeding a malnourished client:
1. Rapidly replenishing lost protein with foods of high biological value 2. Progressing the rate, volume, and concentration of a tube feeding with every feeding 3. Pushing a liberal intake of water and other hypotonic fluids 4. Correcting any electrolyte imbalances before aggressive nutritional therapy is begun
The most basic information a maternity nurse should have concerning conception is that:
a. Ova are considered fertile 48 to 72 hours after ovulation. b. Sperm remain viable in the woman's reproductive system for an average of 12 to 24 hours. c. Conception is achieved when a sperm successfully penetrates the membrane surrounding the ovum. d. Implantation in the endometrium occurs 6 to 10 days after conception.