What are opportunistic infections associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Blanching is the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the temporary whitening of the skin when pressure is applied. Blanching indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are constricted or compressed, and that the blood flow is reduced or interrupted. Blanching can be a normal response to cold, stress, or pressure, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as ischemia, infection, or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Warmth is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the increased temperature of the skin, not the color change. Warmth indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are dilated or expanded, and that the blood flow is increased or enhanced. Warmth can be a normal response to heat, exercise, or emotion, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as infection, inflammation, or allergy.

Choice C reason: Redness is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the original color of the skin, not the color change. Redness indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are dilated or expanded, and that the blood flow is increased or enhanced, as explained above. Redness can be a normal response to heat, exercise, or emotion, or it can be a sign of a problem, such as infection, inflammation, or allergy.

Choice D reason: Nonblanching is not the term that the nurse documents for this finding, because it describes the opposite of what the nurse observed. Nonblanching means that the skin does not turn white when pressure is applied, but rather remains red or purple. Nonblanching indicates that the blood vessels in the skin are damaged or ruptured, and that the blood has leaked into the surrounding tissues. Nonblanching can be a sign of a serious problem, such as bruising, bleeding, or necrosis.

Choice A reason: Determine whether it is temporary or permanent is not the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Determining whether the compromised immunity is temporary or permanent is an important assessment, but it should be done after ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client. Compromised immunity can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause, such as medication, disease, or genetic disorder.

Choice B reason: Take the client's vital signs every four hours is not the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Taking the client's vital signs every four hours is an important monitoring, but it should be done after ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client. Vital signs can indicate the general health status and the presence of infection or inflammation, such as fever, tachycardia, or hypotension.

Choice C reason: Teach the family members to receive the flu shot annually is not the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is not the most urgent and relevant. Teaching the family members to receive the flu shot annually is an important education, but it should be done after ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client. The flu shot is a vaccine that can protect the family members and the client from influenza, which can be a serious and potentially fatal infection for people with compromised immunity.

Choice D reason: Wash hands before entering the client's room is the nurse's priority action for a client with compromised immunity, because it is the most urgent and relevant. Washing hands before entering the client's room is a basic and essential infection prevention measure, which can protect the client from exposure to pathogens that can cause infection. People with compromised immunity have a weakened or impaired immune system, which makes them more susceptible and vulnerable to infection.