A nurse in a clinic is assessing a client who has AIDS and a significantly decreased CD4-T-cell count. The nurse should recognize that the client is at risk for developing which of the following infectious oral conditions?

Choice A rationale:
An increased WBC count with increased bands (immature neutrophils) indicates an acute infectious process. Normal range for WBC is 4,500-11,000/mm².
Choice B rationale:
A resolving inflammatory process would typically show a decreasing WBC count.
Choice C rationale:
An allergic reaction would typically show an increase in eosinophils, not neutrophils.
Choice D rationale:
Neutropenia is a decrease in neutrophils, not an increase.

Condition Most Likely Experiencing:

Delirium

• Explanation: The client has acute confusion, disorganized thinking, restlessness, incoherent speech, and altered sleep-wake cycle—all classic signs of delirium. The sudden onset (starting the previous evening) and fever (38.6°C) suggest a potential underlying cause, such as infection or dehydration.

Actions to Take:

Monitor the client's fluid intake and output.

• Explanation: The client has severe fluid imbalance (250 mL intake vs. 2,500 mL output), leading to dehydration, which can contribute to delirium. Monitoring intake and output is critical for managing hydration status.

Encourage family members to stay with the client.

• Explanation: Familiar faces can help reorient the client and reduce agitation. Delirium often improves with familiar environmental cues and reassurance.

Parameters to Monitor:

Sleep-wake cycle.

• Explanation: Disrupted sleep patterns are a key symptom of delirium. Tracking sleep can help assess improvement or worsening of the condition.

Fall risk.

• Explanation: The client is attempting to get out of bed without assistance, which puts them at high risk for falls. Close monitoring is essential to prevent injury.

Incorrect Choices and Explanations:

Request a prescription for benzodiazepine.

• Why Incorrect? Benzodiazepines can worsen delirium, especially in older adults, by increasing confusion and fall risk.

Assist the client to identify coping skills.

• Why Incorrect? Delirium is an acute medical condition, not a psychological disorder. The focus should be on treating the underlying cause, not psychological coping strategies.

Encourage the client to exercise.

• Why Incorrect? The client is confused, weak, and at risk of falls. Exercise is not appropriate at this stage.

BUN level.

• Why Incorrect? While kidney function (BUN) could be affected by dehydration, monitoring fluid balance directly (intake/output) is more immediate and relevant.

Weight loss.

• Why Incorrect? While the client has refused to eat or drink, weight loss occurs over time, whereas the primary concern is acute dehydration and delirium.

Suicidal ideation.

• Why Incorrect? There is no indication of suicidal thoughts. The confusion and agitation are more likely due to delirium than depression.