A client, age 27, diagnosed with AIDS, was hospitalized for ...

[NClaborn]

A client, age 27, diagnosed with AIDS, was hospitalized for treatment of an opportunistic infec-tion. The nurse observed him reading an article on the subject of lethal injections.
 
  As he attempted to hide the journal, which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
  1. I noticed what you are reading. Why are you trying to hide it?
  2. Please let me have the journal. An article like that will only upset you.
  3. Tell me what you think of the article you were reading.
  4. Isn't that a pretty grim article?

Question 2

Which factor should be the primary consideration when assessing the advisability of prescribing psychotropic medications for a client with AIDS?
 
  1. Length of time since the diagnosis was made
  2. Characteristics of the emotional distress
  3. Nutritional status of the client
  4. Tolerance for oral medications

[Ksh22]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
Suicide thoughts are common in the client with AIDS. Option 3 accepts this fact and indicates the nurse's willingness to listen to the client's thoughts about the article and his situation. This intervention can address feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Options 1 and 2 imply the client was doing something wrong. Option 4 passes judgment on the article.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 2
The severity of symptoms present will determine the type and dosage of medication that should be prescribed (e.g., antidepressants would be used for symptoms of depression, anxiolytics for acute anxiety, and psychotropics for symptoms of acute psychosis such as delusions or hallucina-tions). 1. Length of time since diagnosis is not a factor. 3. This would not be a factor. 4. This is not the primary consideration.