A patient states that he feels terrific, but a blood test shows ...

[codyclark]

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
 
  a. is not dangerous to anyone.
  b. experiences minor symptoms only.
  c. experiences decreased immunity.
  d. is contagious.

Question 2

A patient has recently returned to the cardiac care unit from PACU following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). During the nurse's assessment of the patient, the patient acknowledges pain that he rates at 9 on a 0-to-10 pain scale.
 
  How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding?
  A) Determine how the patient's pain responds to increased physical activity.
  B) Explain to the patient that significant pain is expected during the immediate postoperative phase.
  C) Teach the patient nonpharmacologic interventions for pain management.
  D) Try to differentiate between incisional pain and anginal pain.

[honnalora]

Answer to Question 1

D
A prolonged period in which HIV is not readily detectable in the blood follows within a few weeks or months of the initial infection. This titer, or viral load, falls dramatically as the immune system responds and controls the HIV infection, and it may last 10 to 12 years. During this period, there are few clinical symptoms of HIV infection, although an individual is still capable of transmitting HIV to others.

Answer to Question 2

D