Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3. In HIV care, monitoring CD4-T-cell count is crucial to assess the immune system's function. A low count indicates immunosuppression, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. Managing the CD4 count helps guide treatment decisions, such as initiating antiretroviral therapy. Platelets, WBC, and Western blot test are important but not the priority in this case. Platelets are related to clotting function, WBC indicates general immune response, and Western blot confirms HIV diagnosis but doesn't provide immediate treatment guidance like CD4 count.