A client is diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). What symptom would the nurse expect to see?

Choice A reason: This is the highest risk client because surgery can cause trauma, blood loss, and infection, which can weaken the immune system and increase the susceptibility to complications. The immune system is the body's defense mechanism that protects against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Surgery can damage the skin and tissues, which are the first line of defense, and cause inflammation, which can impair the function of the white blood cells, which are the second line of defense. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, wound healing, and signs of infection and administer antibiotics, fluids, and pain medication as ordered.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest risk client, but it is a moderate risk client because extreme anxiety can cause stress, which can affect the immune system and increase the vulnerability to illness. Stress is the body's response to a perceived threat or challenge, which can activate the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis. Stress can cause the release of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can suppress the immune system and reduce the production and activity of the white blood cells. The nurse should assess the client's anxiety level and provide coping strategies, such as relaxation, breathing, or counseling.

Choice C reason: This is not the highest risk client, but it is a low risk client because awaiting surgery can cause anxiety, which can affect the immune system and increase the vulnerability to illness. However, the client's anxiety level may not be as high as the client with extreme anxiety, and the client's immune system may not be as compromised as the client who has just had surgery. The nurse should assess the client's anxiety level and provide education, reassurance, and support.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest risk client, but it is a low risk client because delivering a baby can cause blood loss, hormonal changes, and fatigue, which can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infection. However, the client's immune system may not be as compromised as the client who has just had surgery, and the client may have some protection from the antibodies that are passed from the mother to the baby through the placenta and breast milk. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, lochia, and signs of infection and provide hygiene, nutrition, and rest.

Choice A reason: Allowing the client to sleep to build up stamina is not the priority intervention, because it does not address the psychosocial needs of the client. Sleeping is a physiological need, not a psychosocial need. Sleeping may help the client recover physically, but it does not help the client cope emotionally or socially with the isolation.

Choice B reason: Maintaining a sixfoot distance from the client is not the priority intervention, because it does not enhance the psychosocial needs of the client. Maintaining a sixfoot distance from the client is a safety measure, not a psychosocial intervention. Maintaining a sixfoot distance from the client may help prevent the transmission of infection, but it does not help the client feel less lonely or isolated.

Choice C reason: Providing a timeframe for the isolation is not the priority intervention, because it does not enhance the psychosocial needs of the client. Providing a timeframe for the isolation is an informational intervention, not a psychosocial intervention. Providing a timeframe for the isolation may help the client understand the rationale and duration of the precautions, but it does not help the client feel more engaged or supported.

Choice D reason: Providing the client with diversional activities is the priority intervention, because it enhances the psychosocial needs of the client. Providing the client with diversional activities is a psychosocial intervention, not a physiological, safety, or informational intervention. Providing the client with diversional activities may help the client feel more entertained, stimulated, and connected with others, which can reduce the negative effects of isolation.