A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia has a CD4+ T cell count of 200 cells/mm³ (20%). The client asks the nurse why they have these recurring massive infections. Which pathophysiologic mechanism should the nurse describe in response to this client's question?

Reference Range:
T-helper CD4 cells [600 to 1500 cells/mm³ (60 to 75%)]

a) Denies cramps, weakness, or nausea

This finding indicates that the actions taken were effective in relieving the patient's symptoms of fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and nausea. These symptoms may have been caused by electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, or infection related to her ESRD and missed dialysis sessions.

b) BP 116/68 mm Hg, HR 75 bpm

This finding indicates that the actions taken were effective in lowering the patient's blood pressure and heart rate. The patient had a history of HTN and CAD and presented with elevated BP and HR in the ED. The orders for EKG, cardiac monitor, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram may have helped to assess and manage her cardiac status. The patient may have also received antihypertensive medications or fluids as part of her treatment.

c) Potassium level 3.6 mEq/L (3.6 mmol/L)

This finding indicates that the actions taken were effective in normalizing the patient's potassium level. The patient had ESRD and missed dialysis sessions, which could have resulted in hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. The orders for basic metabolic panel and blood cultures may have helped to monitor and correct her electrolyte levels. The patient may have also received potassium supplements or binders as part of her treatment.

d) Verbalizes commitment to dialysis appointments

This finding indicates that the actions taken were effective in educating and motivating the patient to adhere to her dialysis schedule. The patient had ESRD and missed dialysis sessions, which could have worsened her condition and increased her risk of complications. The orders for CT scan of abdomen and echocardiogram may have helped to evaluate her renal function and cardiac function. The patient may have also received counseling or support from the health care team as part of her treatment.

e) Client states that she will need to resume her Lisinopril to control blood pressure

This finding indicates that the actions taken were ineffective in teaching the patient about her medication regimen. The patient had a history of HTN and CAD and was prescribed Lisinopril as an antihypertensive medication. However, Lisinopril is contraindicated in patients with ESRD as it can cause hyperkalemia or worsen renal function. The patient should be informed about the potential risks of taking Lisinopril and advised to consult with her nephrologist or primary care provider before resuming it.

f) Client is eager to add dark green vegetables and potatoes to her diet

This finding indicates that the actions taken were ineffective in educating the patient about her dietary restrictions. The patient had ESRD and required hemodialysis three times a week. She should follow a renal diet that limits the intake of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid. Dark green vegetables and potatoes are high in potassium and phosphorus and should be avoided or consumed in moderation by patients with ESRD. The patient should be provided with a list of foods that are suitable for her condition and referred to a dietitian for further guidance.

- Choice A: Occupational therapist. This is correct because an occupational therapist can help the client with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting. The client may have difficulty performing these tasks due to the facial droop and weakness caused by the stroke.

- Choice B: Speech therapist. This is correct because a speech therapist can help the client with communication and swallowing problems. The client has garbled speech, which indicates a possible aphasia or dysarthria. The client may also have dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing, due to the impaired coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing.

- Choice C: Case manager. This is correct because a case manager can coordinate the client's care and discharge planning. The case manager can arrange for referrals, home health services, equipment, and follow-up appointments as needed. The case manager can also provide education and support to the client and family.

- Choice D: Physical therapist. This is correct because a physical therapist can help the client with mobility and balance issues. The client may have hemiparesis or hemiplegia, which is weakness or paralysis of one side of the body. The physical therapist can assist the client with exercises, gait training, and assistive devices to improve the client's functional status.

- Choice E: Chief nursing officer. This is incorrect because a chief nursing officer is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A chief nursing officer is a senior-level executive who oversees the nursing staff and operations of a health care organization. A chief nursing officer may have a role in quality improvement, policy development, and strategic planning, but not in individual client care.

- Choice F: Pharmacy technician. This is incorrect because a pharmacy technician is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A pharmacy technician is a health care professional who assists pharmacists with dispensing medications and other tasks. A pharmacy technician may have a role in preparing, labeling, and delivering medications, but not in providing therapy or education to the client.

- Choice G: Respiratory therapist. This is incorrect because a respiratory therapist is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A respiratory therapist is a health care professional who provides respiratory care to patients with breathing problems. A respiratory therapist may have a role in administering oxygen, nebulizers, ventilators, and other respiratory treatments, but not in addressing the client's stroke-related impairments.

- Choice H: Medical assistant. This is incorrect because a medical assistant is not directly involved in the client's recovery. A medical assistant is a health care professional who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office or clinic. A medical assistant may have a role in scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, drawing blood, and performing basic laboratory tests, but not in providing rehabilitation or education to the client.