A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV.

Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?

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.

Choice A rationale:
Whole milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, but it is not high in iron.
Choice B rationale:
Black tea contains tannins, which can inhibit iron absorption.
Choice C rationale:
Raisins contain some iron, but not as much as other food options.
Choice D rationale:
Black beans are a good source of iron, and consuming them can help increase iron levels in the body, which can alleviate symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.