Question of the Week – September 22, 2021

Rationale:

Rationale: Histoplasmosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that can occur in the client with AIDS. The infection begins as a respiratory infection and can progress to disseminated infection. Typical signs and symptoms include fever, dyspnea, cough, and weight loss. Enlargement of the client’s lymph nodes, liver, and spleen may occur as well.

Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the subject, manifestations of histoplasmosis. Recalling that histoplasmosis is an infectious process will help you eliminate option 4. Because the client has AIDS and another infection, weight gain is an unlikely symptom and can be eliminated next. Knowing that histoplasmosis begins as a respiratory infection helps you choose dyspnea over headache as the correct option.

Additional Info: 

Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process—Assessment
Content Area: Adult Health: Respiratory
Health Problem: Adult Health: Respiratory: Viral, bacterial, fungal infections
Priority Concepts: Clinical Judgment; Infection