Most adults with human immunodeficiency virus will exhibit which of the following laboratory values?

Choice A reason: Inflammation is not an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Inflammation is a secondary defense to infection, which is activated after the primary defense has been breached. Inflammation is a complex process that involves the release of chemical mediators, the dilation of blood vessels, the increase of blood flow, the migration of white blood cells, and the formation of exudate. Inflammation aims to contain, neutralize, and eliminate the infectious agent and to repair the damaged tissue.

Choice B reason: Fever is not an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Fever is a secondary defense to infection, which is activated after the primary defense has been breached. Fever is an elevation of the body temperature above the normal range, which is usually 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius or 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Fever is a systemic response to infection that is regulated by the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that controls the body's thermostat. Fever enhances the immune system's activity and inhibits the growth of some pathogens.

Choice C reason: Phagocytosis is not an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Phagocytosis is a secondary defense to infection, which is activated after the primary defense has been breached. Phagocytosis is a process that involves the engulfment and destruction of foreign particles, such as bacteria, by specialized cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. Phagocytosis is a type of cellular immunity that eliminates the infectious agent and prevents its spread.

Choice D reason: Intact skin is an example of a client's primary defense to infection. Intact skin is the first and most important line of defense against infection, as it forms a physical barrier that prevents the entry of pathogens into the body. Intact skin also has chemical and biological properties that resist infection, such as the acidic pH, the secretion of sebum and sweat, and the presence of normal flora. Intact skin protects the underlying tissues and organs from infection and injury.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect answer because Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers certain groups of people, such as the elderly, the disabled, and the lowincome. Medicare does not publish the National Patient Safety Goals, but it does have its own quality and safety standards that health care providers must meet to receive reimbursement.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect answer because the American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization that represents the interests of registered nurses in the United States. The ANA does not publish the National Patient Safety Goals, but it does have its own code of ethics, standards of practice, and policies that guide nursing practice and promote quality and safety.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because the Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission publishes the National Patient Safety Goals, which are specific and measurable goals that address the most critical patient safety issues in health care. The Joint Commission updates the goals annually based on the latest evidence and expert input.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect answer because the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is a division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which is a private, nonprofit organization that provides independent, objective, and authoritative advice to inform policy and practice. The IOM does not publish the National Patient Safety Goals, but it does conduct research and issue reports on various topics related to health and health care, including quality and safety.