An infant is brought to the emergency department with poor skin turgor, weight loss, irritability, and tachycardia. The nurse analyzes the data to suggest:

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as standard precautions are the minimum level of infection control practices that should be applied to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps and contaminated items, and environmental cleaning. Standard precautions are sufficient for most patients with HIV, unless they have other infections that require additional precautions.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as droplet precautions are not required for patients with HIV, unless they have other infections that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. Droplet precautions include wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient, placing the patient in a private room or cohorting with other patients with the same infection, and limiting the movement of the patient outside the room.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as contact precautions are not required for patients with HIV, unless they have other infections that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact, such as Clostridioides difficile, scabies, or herpes simplex virus. Contact precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the patient's room, placing the patient in a private room or cohorting with other patients with the same infection, and dedicating patient-care equipment to the patient or disinfecting it before use on another patient.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as airborne precautions are not required for patients with HIV, unless they have other infections that are transmitted by airborne particles, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. Airborne precautions include wearing a respirator or N95 mask when entering the patient's room, placing the patient in a negative-pressure isolation room with the door closed, and limiting the movement of the patient outside the room.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as rechecking blood pressure and providing oxygen are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Blood pressure is not a reliable indicator of perfusion in neonates, and oxygen saturation is already within normal range. The nurse should focus on identifying and treating the source of infection, preventing hypovolemia and shock, and monitoring the vital signs and blood glucose levels.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as administering aspirin and normal saline bolus are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the liver and brain. Normal saline bolus may be indicated for hypotension or shock, but only after obtaining blood cultures and starting antibiotics.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as administering antibiotics and oxygen are not the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Antibiotics are essential for treating the infection, but they should be given after obtaining blood cultures to avoid false-negative results. Oxygen may be needed if the neonate develops hypoxia or respiratory distress, but it is not the first intervention for a neonate with normal oxygen saturation.

Choice D reason: This statement is correct, as obtaining blood cultures, providing IV fluids and antibiotics are the immediate nursing priorities for a neonate with fever and signs of sepsis. Blood cultures are necessary to identify the causative organism and guide the antibiotic therapy. IV fluids are needed to maintain hydration, perfusion, and electrolyte balance. Antibiotics are needed to eradicate the infection and prevent septic shock and organ failure.