A nurse is teaching a group of male adolescents about testicular self-examination.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale

Regular tuberculosis testing is recommended for children with HIV as they have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis due to their weakened immune system.

Choice B rationale

Doubling the child’s medications for the next 6 months is not a standard practice in HIV treatment. The dosage and regimen of antiretroviral therapy are carefully determined by healthcare providers based on the child’s specific needs and condition.

Choice C rationale

The risk of HIV transmission does not decrease after 2 weeks of zidovudine treatment. Antiretroviral therapy can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, significantly reducing the risk of transmission, but this usually takes longer than 2 weeks to achieve.

Choice D rationale

Children with HIV do not need to repeat their childhood immunizations once they are in remission. The standard immunization schedule is generally followed for children with HIV, with some additional vaccines recommended due to their increased risk of certain infections.

The correct answer is choiced. Encourage the adolescent to perform incentive spirometry to maintain lung capacity.

Choice A rationale: Avoiding influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for 24 months is not recommended. Vaccinations are crucial for preventing respiratory infections, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with muscular dystrophy due to their compromised respiratory function.

Choice B rationale: Initiating a referral for chest physiotherapy every 4 hours is excessive and impractical. While chest physiotherapy can be beneficial, it is typically recommended at a frequency that is manageable and tailored to the individual’s needs.

Choice C rationale: Recommending the adolescent use a wheelchair to prevent stress on the lower extremities is not ideal. Encouraging mobility and physical activity as tolerated is important to maintain muscle strength and function for as long as possible.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging the adolescent to perform incentive spirometry to maintain lung capacity is appropriate. Incentive spirometry helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications, which are common in individuals with muscular dystrophy.