A nurse is providing care for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and is about to progress from a clear liquid diet to full liquids. Which of the following items should the nurse tell the client he may now request to have on his meal tray?

To calculate the dosage, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the prescribed dose.

The prescribed dose is 25 mg.

Result: 25 mg.

Step 2: Identify the concentration of the medication.

The concentration is 12.5 mg/mL.

Result: 12.5 mg/mL.

Step 3: Calculate the volume to administer.

Volume (mL) = (Prescribed dose in mg) ÷ (Concentration in mg/mL).

Volume (mL) = 25 mg ÷ 12.5 mg/mL.

Volume (mL) = 2 mL.

Result: 2 mL.

So, the nurse should administer 2.0 mL of diphenhydramine elixir per dose.

Choice A reason: Flu-like symptoms and night sweats

The initial symptoms of HIV infection often resemble those of the flu. These symptoms, known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection, typically occur within 2 to 4 weeks after the virus enters the body. Common symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. These symptoms are the body’s natural response to the virus and indicate that the immune system is reacting to the infection. Night sweats, in particular, are a common symptom during the early stages of HIV infection.

Choice B reason: Fungal and bacterial infections

Fungal and bacterial infections are more commonly associated with later stages of HIV infection, particularly when the immune system has been significantly weakened. As HIV progresses and the immune system deteriorates, individuals become more susceptible to opportunistic infections, which are infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are not typically seen in the initial stages of HIV infection.

Choice C reason: Pneumocystis lung infection

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection that occurs in people with weakened immune systems, including those with advanced HIV/AIDS. It is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. PCP is not an initial symptom of HIV infection but rather a complication that can arise when the immune system is severely compromised. This infection is more indicative of the later stages of HIV, particularly when the CD4 cell count drops significantly.

Choice D reason: Kaposi’s sarcoma

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. It is caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and is commonly associated with advanced HIV infection or AIDS. Kaposi’s sarcoma presents as purple, red, or brown blotches or tumors on the skin and can also affect internal organs. This condition is not an initial symptom of HIV infection but rather a manifestation of severe immune system damage in the later stages of the disease.