The nurse is teaching a client with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis about home safety. Which statement should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: "I will monitor my nutrition and fluid status." is not a statement that requires further teaching or clarification, because it is correct and appropriate. Monitoring nutrition and fluid status is an important selfcare measure for people with HIV, as it can help maintain the immune function, prevent dehydration, and promote healing. People with HIV should eat a balanced and varied diet, drink enough water, and avoid foods or drinks that can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Choice B reason: "Because I have HIV, that means I'm an AIDS patient." is a statement that requires further teaching or clarification, because it is incorrect and misleading. Having HIV does not mean that one has AIDS, but rather that one is at risk of developing AIDS. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of the infection. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4+ Tcell count drops below 200 cells per microliter of blood, or when the person develops one or more opportunistic infections or cancers. People with HIV can delay or prevent the progression to AIDS by taking antiretroviral drugs, which can suppress the viral load and improve the immune function.

Choice C reason: "I can still have unprotected intercourse with my partner since he doesn't have HIV." is a statement that requires further teaching or clarification, because it is incorrect and misleading. Having unprotected intercourse with a partner who does not have HIV is not safe or advisable, as it can expose the partner to the risk of contracting HIV. HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. People with HIV should use condoms or other barrier methods during intercourse, regardless of the HIV status of their partner. People with HIV should also inform their partner about their infection, and encourage them to get tested and treated if needed.

Choice D reason: "I need to ensure that I place my needles in a proper needle disposal container." is not a statement that requires further teaching or clarification, because it is correct and appropriate. Placing needles in a proper needle disposal container is an important infection prevention measure for people with HIV, as it can prevent the accidental or intentional reuse or sharing of needles, which can transmit HIV or other bloodborne diseases. People with HIV should use new and sterile needles for injections, and dispose of them in a punctureresistant and leakproof container, which can be obtained from a pharmacy, clinic, or health department.

Choice E reason: "I can spread this through contact with surfaces, so I need to wear gloves in public." is a statement that requires further teaching or clarification, because it is incorrect and exaggerated. Spreading HIV through contact with surfaces is not possible or likely, as the virus does not survive long outside the body, and is not transmitted by casual contact, such as touching, hugging, or sharing utensils. Wearing gloves in public is not necessary or advisable, as it can create a false sense of security, stigma, or discrimination. People with HIV should practice good hygiene, such as washing hands, covering coughs, and cleaning wounds, but they do not need to wear gloves or other protective equipment in public.

Choice A reason: Include many fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet is not a correct answer, because it may increase the risk of infection for the client with AIDS. Fresh fruits and vegetables may contain bacteria, parasites, or pesticides that can cause gastrointestinal or systemic infections in immunocompromised clients. The nurse should advise the client to wash, peel, or cook fruits and vegetables before eating them, or to avoid them altogether if they have diarrhea or low white blood cell counts.

Choice B reason: Drink at least 2 to 3 L of fluids per day is a correct answer, because it helps prevent dehydration, maintain electrolyte balance, and flush out toxins and waste products. Fluid intake is especially important for clients with AIDS who may experience fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or oral lesions that can cause fluid loss.

Choice C reason: Eat highcalorie foods is a correct answer, because it helps prevent weight loss, muscle wasting, and malnutrition. Clients with AIDS may have increased caloric needs due to increased metabolic rate, infection, inflammation, or medication side effects. Highcalorie foods can provide energy and support immune function.

Choice D reason: Lower your caloric intake is not a correct answer, because it can worsen the nutritional status and health outcomes of the client with AIDS. Lowering caloric intake can lead to weight loss, muscle wasting, malnutrition, and increased susceptibility to infections and complications. The nurse should encourage the client to meet or exceed their caloric needs based on their weight, activity level, and disease stage.

Choice E reason: Choose foods high in protein is a correct answer, because it helps maintain muscle mass, tissue repair, and immune function. Clients with AIDS may have increased protein needs due to increased protein breakdown, infection, inflammation, or medication side effects. Highprotein foods can provide amino acids and antibodies that are essential for immune response.