A man has been admitted to the hospital unit with a medical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via a nasal cannula. Which positioning technique will best assist him with breathing?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect answer because a pathogenic infection is caused by a microorganism that can cause disease in a healthy host. Pathogens are usually able to overcome the host's immune defenses and cause symptoms and damage. Examples of pathogenic infections are strep throat, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because an opportunistic infection is caused by a microorganism that normally does not cause disease in a healthy host, but can take advantage of a weakened immune system and cause serious illness. Opportunistic infections are common and often lifethreatening complications of HIV infection, as the virus destroys the CD4 cells that help fight infections. Examples of opportunistic infections are pneumocystis pneumonia, candidiasis, and toxoplasmosis.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect answer because a nosocomial infection is acquired in a health care setting, such as a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Nosocomial infections are usually caused by microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics and can spread easily among patients and staff. Examples of nosocomial infections are methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), and urinary tract infections.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect answer because a root cause infection is not a valid term in medical terminology. A root cause is the underlying factor or reason that leads to a problem or outcome. A root cause analysis is a process of identifying and addressing the root causes of a problem or event, such as an infection, to prevent recurrence and improve quality and safety.

Choice A reason: This is not the highest priority client because a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and treatable condition that affects the lower urinary system, such as the bladder or urethra. A fever of 38.5°C and flank pain can indicate that the infection has spread to the upper urinary system, such as the kidneys, which can cause pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires antibiotic therapy and hydration. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower extremities. A positive Homans' sign and edema in the affected leg can indicate that the clot is causing inflammation and obstruction of the blood flow. DVT is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires anticoagulant therapy and compression therapy. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, leg circumference, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and stockings.

Choice C reason: This is the highest priority client because a myocardial infarction (MI) is a heart attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage or death. Chest pain and shortness of breath can indicate that the client is experiencing acute cardiac ischemia, which can lead to cardiac arrest or heart failure. MI is a lifethreatening emergency that requires immediate intervention and treatment. The nurse should activate the rapid response team, monitor the client's vital signs, electrocardiogram, and oxygen saturation, and administer the prescribed medication and oxygen.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a stroke is a brain attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing tissue damage or death. Slurred speech and facial droop can indicate that the client is experiencing acute neurological impairment, which can affect their communication and facial expression. Stroke is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and glucose level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.