The nurse is preparing communication for a provider. The client is experiencing acute pain in the anterior forearm. Distal to the injury, he is experiencing a "pins and needles" sensation. The pulse is weak and the skin is pale. The nurse suspects an emergent condition. What is it?

Choice A reason: A susceptible host is not an infectious disease, but a factor that influences the transmission of an infectious disease. A susceptible host is a person who is vulnerable to infection due to factors such as age, health status, immunization, or genetic predisposition. A susceptible host may become infected by a communicable disease, but it is not the disease itself.

Choice B reason: A communicable disease is an infectious disease that can be transmitted directly from one person to another. A communicable disease is caused by a pathogen, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite, that can spread through contact, droplet, airborne, vector, or vehicle transmission. Examples of communicable diseases are influenza, tuberculosis, measles, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

Choice C reason: A portal of entry to a host is not an infectious disease, but a factor that influences the transmission of an infectious disease. A portal of entry to a host is a route through which a pathogen can enter the body of a susceptible host and cause infection. A portal of entry to a host may be a break in the skin, a mucous membrane, or a body opening, such as the mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals. A portal of entry to a host may facilitate the transmission of a communicable disease, but it is not the disease itself.

Choice D reason: A portal of exit from the reservoir is not an infectious disease, but a factor that influences the transmission of an infectious disease. A portal of exit from the reservoir is a route through which a pathogen can leave the body of an infected person or animal and reach another susceptible host. A portal of exit from the reservoir may be a body fluid, such as blood, saliva, urine, or feces, or a body part, such as the skin, hair, or nails. A portal of exit from the reservoir may enable the transmission of a communicable disease, but it is not the disease itself.

Choice A reason: A temperature of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit is a sign of fever, which is a common symptom of infection. Clients with AIDS have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Fever indicates that the body is trying to fight off an infection.

Choice B reason: An oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within the normal range and does not indicate infection. Oxygen saturation measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen in the blood. A low oxygen saturation may indicate respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, which is a common infection in clients with AIDS.

Choice C reason: A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is slightly above the normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but it does not necessarily indicate infection. Respiratory rate may vary depending on factors such as activity level, stress, pain, or anxiety. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, which could be caused by infection or other conditions.

Choice D reason: Purulent drainage is a thick, yellowgreen, or brown pus that indicates infection. It may come from a wound, an abscess, or a body cavity. Purulent drainage is a sign of inflammation and infection and should be reported to the health care provider.

Choice E reason: A client's ability to ambulate 20 feet is not related to infection. Ambulation is a measure of mobility and function and may be affected by factors such as pain, fatigue, or muscle weakness. Ambulation does not reflect the presence or absence of infection.