The patient is a 51-year-old male with pneumonia.
The patient has a history of hypertension and takes enalapril and a multivitamin daily.
His surgical history includes adenoid removal at age 4 and a surgical repair of a fractured tibia at age 20. Based on the information that the nurse has about the patient, what condition is he likely to have?

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. Suppressor T-cells (also known as regulatory T-cells) play a role in regulating the immune response, but their proliferation is not the primary mechanism by which HIV suppresses the immune system. In fact, HIV can disrupt the function of suppressor T-cells, leading to an impaired ability to control immune responses.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. Cytotoxic T-cells (also known as CD8+ T-cells) are important for killing infected cells, but their deficiency is not the direct cause of immune suppression in HIV. However, HIV can indirectly lead to a deficiency of cytotoxic T-cells by disrupting their production and function.

Choice C rationale:

Incorrect. B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, and IgM is an early antibody produced in response to infection. However, an increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM is not characteristic of HIV infection. In fact, HIV can impair B-cell function, leading to decreased antibody production.

Choice D rationale:

Correct. HIV primarily targets and destroys helper T-cells (also known as CD4+ T-cells). These cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by activating other immune cells, such as cytotoxic T-cells and B-cells. The depletion of helper T-cells leads to a progressive weakening of the immune system, rendering the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.

Specific mechanisms of CD4+ T-cell destruction by HIV:

Direct infection and lysis: HIV can directly infect CD4+ T-cells and replicate within them, eventually leading to the death of the infected cells.

CD4+ T-cell apoptosis: HIV can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in CD4+ T-cells through various mechanisms, including the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways and the disruption of anti-apoptotic signals.

Immune dysregulation: HIV infection can also dysregulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and immune activation. This can further contribute to CD4+ T-cell depletion and dysfunction.

Choice A rationale:

Sterile gloves are not necessary for routine oral care, even in the presence of oral Candida albicans.

Standard precautions, which include the use of gloves, are sufficient to protect the UAP from exposure to blood and body fluids.

Sterile gloves would only be indicated for invasive procedures, such as oral surgery or deep tissue sampling.

Choice B rationale:

Delegating oral care to the UAP is appropriate, as it is a routine task that does not require the specialized skills of a nurse.

The nurse should provide clear instructions to the UAP on how to perform oral care, but it is not necessary for the nurse to complete the task themselves.

Choice C rationale:

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is important for patients with oral Candida albicans, as it can help to remove plaque and debris without further irritating the delicate tissues of the mouth.

A soft-bristled toothbrush is less likely to cause bleeding or pain than a harder-bristled toothbrush.

Choice D rationale:

Mouthwash is not typically recommended for patients with oral Candida albicans, as it can actually dry out the mouth and worsen symptoms.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe a special antifungal mouthwash, but this should only be used under their supervision.