A nurse in the emergency department is monitoring a client who is receiving dopamine to treat hypovolemic shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication for increasing the client's dopamine dosage?

Choice A reason: The Mantoux skin test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, measures the immune response to the tuberculin purified protein derivative injected into the skin. An induration of less than 1 mm is not considered a positive result. However, the size of the induration in the Mantoux test does not indicate whether the person is infectious or not.

Choice B reason: Negative sputum cultures for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) are a strong indication that the client is no longer infectious. Pulmonary tuberculosis is diagnosed and monitored by the presence of AFB in the sputum. When the sputum cultures are negative, it suggests that the client is not excreting the bacteria and is less likely to spread the infection to others.

Choice C reason: While no longer coughing up blood-tinged sputum is a sign of clinical improvement, it does not necessarily mean that the client is no longer infectious. The absence of blood in the sputum may indicate reduced inflammation or healing of lung tissue, but the client could still be capable of transmitting tuberculosis if AFB is present in the sputum.

Choice D reason: The Quantiferon-TB Gold test is a blood test that measures the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. A positive result indicates that the person's immune system has been exposed to the bacteria, but it does not determine if the person is infectious. The term "positive (negative)" is contradictory and does not provide clear information about the client's infectious status.

Choice A reason : While eating fresh fruits and vegetables is generally healthy, it does not specifically indicate an understanding of AIDS-related teaching. Some fruits and vegetables need to be carefully handled to avoid potential infections.

Choice B reason : Wearing gloves and washing hands after changing a cat's litter box is correct as it helps prevent the transmission of infections, such as toxoplasmosis, which can be particularly harmful to individuals with AIDS.

Choice C reason : Taking clothes to the dry cleaners for sterilization is unnecessary and does not reflect an understanding of AIDS-related precautions.

Choice D reason : Wiping up areas soiled with body fluids with alcohol and disposing of the trash is a good practice for infection control, but it is not as directly related to the client's understanding of AIDS-specific precautions as choice b.