The client with rheumatoid arthritis is having her rheumatoid factor (RF) drawn while she is having a flareup of the disease. Which result is seen in clients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin around the pins is the action that the nurse takes first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a procedure that involves removing any dirt, debris, or secretions from the pin sites, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a priority intervention, as it can reduce the risk of complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, or pin loosening.

Choice B reason: Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is a procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the pus from the pin sites and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.

Choice C reason: Administering an antibiotic is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Administering an antibiotic is a procedure that involves giving the client an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Administering an antibiotic is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a proper route.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is a procedure that involves teaching the client how to move and strengthen the muscles and joints of the limb in traction, which can help prevent or treat atrophy, contracture, or thrombosis. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a safe technique.

Choice A reason: This is the correct statement because it reflects the fact that reexposure to HIV can increase the viral load and accelerate the decline of the immune system. HIV is a virus that infects and destroys the CD4 cells, which are the white blood cells that help fight infections. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3 or the client develops an opportunistic infection. The progression from HIV to AIDS can vary from person to person, depending on several factors, such as viral strain, genetic factors, treatment adherence, and coinfections. Reexposure to HIV can expose the client to a different or more aggressive strain of the virus, which can overwhelm the immune system and hasten the development of AIDS.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect statement because it ignores the role of nutrition in maintaining the health and function of the immune system. Diet can influence the progression of HIV to AIDS by affecting the client's weight, energy, metabolism, and susceptibility to infections. The client should eat a balanced and varied diet that provides adequate calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids. The client should also avoid foods that can cause diarrhea, dehydration, or food poisoning, which can worsen the symptoms and complications of HIV infection.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect statement because it contradicts the evidence that shows that meditation can have positive effects on the psychological and physiological wellbeing of people living with HIV. Meditation is a mindbody practice that involves focusing attention on the present moment, breathing, and relaxation. Meditation can help the client cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, which are common challenges for people living with HIV. Meditation can also improve the immune system function by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cortisol levels, which can slow down the progression of HIV to AIDS.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect statement because it overlooks the impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on the course of HIV infection. STIs can increase the risk of transmitting and acquiring HIV by causing ulcers, inflammation, or bleeding in the genital area, which can facilitate the entry and exit of the virus. STIs can also increase the viral load and decrease the CD4 count, which can speed up the progression of HIV to AIDS. The client should practice safe sex by using condoms, getting tested and treated for STIs, and informing their sexual partners about their HIV status.