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: 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: 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.