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

Choice A reason: Blanching is the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the temporary whitening of the skin when pressure is applied. Blanching indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are constricted or compressed, and that the blood flow is reduced or interrupted. Blanching can be a normal response to cold, stress, or pressure, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as ischemia, infection, or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Warmth is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the increased temperature of the skin, not the color change. Warmth indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are dilated or expanded, and that the blood flow is increased or enhanced. Warmth can be a normal response to heat, exercise, or emotion, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as infection, inflammation, or allergy.

Choice C reason: Redness is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the original color of the skin, not the color change. Redness indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are dilated or expanded, and that the blood flow is increased or enhanced, as explained above. Redness can be a normal response to heat, exercise, or emotion, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as infection, inflammation, or allergy.

Choice D reason: Nonblanching is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the opposite of what the nurse observed. Nonblanching means that the skin does not turn white when pressure is applied, but rather remains red or purple. Nonblanching indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are damaged or ruptured, and that the blood has leaked into the surrounding tissues. Nonblanching can be a sign of a serious problem, such as bruising, bleeding, or necrosis.

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.