What Should the Nurse Do?
Mary, a 45-year-old female, presents to the outpatient clinic with complaints of persistent fatigue, recurrent infections, and unexplained weight loss over the past few months. She reports a medical history significant for rheumatoid arthritis, for which she has been taking immunosuppressive medications for the past two years. On assessment, her vital signs are within normal limits, but she appears fatigued and has a low-grade fever of 99.5°F (37.5°C). Physical examination reveals generalized lymphadenopathy and mild hepatomegaly. Mary expresses concern about her recent health decline and seeks guidance on managing her symptoms.
1
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What signs and symptoms in Mary’s case might indicate a compromised immune response? How do these cues align with the normal and abnormal physiological findings discussed in the module?
2
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What interventions can the nurse implement to address Mary’s symptoms and optimize her immune response? How can the nurse support Mary in managing her condition effectively?
Maria, a 35-year-old female, presents to the clinic complaining of fatigue, joint pain, and recurring fevers over the past few months. She reports a medical history of type 1 diabetes diagnosed during childhood. Vital signs reveal a slightly elevated temperature of 100°F (37.8°C), blood pressure within normal limits, and a heart rate of 80 beats per minute. Upon further examination, Maria also mentions experiencing dry eyes and mouth recently. Given her symptoms and medical history, autoimmune disease is suspected.
3
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Based on the initial assessment findings and suspected autoimmune etiology, what immediate interventions would you implement to address Maria’s symptoms and prevent complications?
4
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After initiating treatment for Maria’s suspected autoimmune disease, how would you monitor her progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions? What indicators would suggest a positive response to treatment?
Lee, a 32-year-old, has been living with HIV for the past five years. They present to the clinic with complaints of chronic fatigue, recurrent respiratory infections, and unexplained weight loss over the past few months. They have been inconsistent with their antiretroviral therapy due to side effects and difficulties maintaining the medication schedule. On assessment, their vital signs are within normal limits, but they appear fatigued and have a low-grade fever of 99.3°F (37.4°C). Physical examination reveals oral thrush and swollen lymph nodes. Lee expresses concerns about their declining health and seeks guidance on managing their condition effectively.
5
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What should the nurse do first to address Lee’s symptoms and concerns?
6
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How should the nurse educate Lee about the differences between HIV and AIDS to enhance their understanding of their condition?