A client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has Pneumocystis carinii (PCP). What is the nurse's priority assessment for this client?

Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin around the pins is the action that the nurse takes first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a procedure that involves removing any dirt, debris, or secretions from the pin sites, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a priority intervention, as it can reduce the risk of complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, or pin loosening.

Choice B reason: Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is a procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the pus from the pin sites and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice C reason: Administering an antibiotic is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Administering an antibiotic is a procedure that involves giving the client an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Administering an antibiotic is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a proper route.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is a procedure that involves teaching the client how to move and strengthen the muscles and joints of the limb in traction, which can help prevent or treat atrophy, contracture, or thrombosis. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a safe technique.

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.