The nurse is caring for a client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Explanation: The correct answer is b. X-linked agammaglobulinemia. X-linked agammaglobulinemia is a primary immunodeficiency disorder caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the absence of mature B cells, resulting in an inability to produce antibodies (immunoglobulins). As a result, individuals with this disorder are highly susceptible to infections, especially bacterial infections.

Incorrect choices:

a. DiGeorge syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by abnormalities in the development of certain organs, including the thymus, leading to impaired T cell function.

c. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a group of rare genetic disorders that affect both T cells and B cells, resulting in a severe impairment of the immune system.

d. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a secondary immunodeficiency disorder caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which specifically targets and destroys CD4+ T cells, weakening the immune system's ability to fight infections.

Explanation: The correct answer is d. Absence or significantly reduced T cell levels. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is characterized by a severe deficiency or absence of T cells, which are essential for cell-mediated immunity.

Incorrect choices:

a. Increased levels of circulating B cells are not characteristic of SCID. In SCID, both T and B cell immunity are affected, and the client may have reduced levels of both.

b. Elevated immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels may occur in certain types of immunodeficiency disorders, but it is not a specific finding for SCID.

c. Abnormal antibody response to vaccinations can be observed in various immunodeficiency disorders, but it does not specifically indicate SCID.