A client has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which of these assessment findings indicate possible infection? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Administering topical hydrocortisone is the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can help reduce the inflammation and itching of the skin lesions that are common in SLE. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack various organs and tissues, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Hydrocortisone is a type of corticosteroid that can suppress the immune response and relieve the symptoms of SLE.

Choice B reason: Applying cold therapy to the extremities is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can worsen the circulation and sensation of the fingers and toes that are affected by Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a complication of SLE. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow and spasm in response to cold or stress, resulting in numbness, pain, and color changes. Cold therapy can trigger or aggravate Raynaud's phenomenon.

Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it is not indicated for SLE, unless there is a secondary infection. SLE is not caused by bacteria, but by the abnormal activity of the immune system. Antibiotics are drugs that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, but they have no effect on the underlying cause of SLE. Antibiotics can also have side effects, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or resistance.

Choice D reason: Encouraging ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is not the appropriate nursing intervention, because it can trigger or worsen the skin lesions and the disease activity of SLE. UV light is a type of radiation that can damage the DNA and the cells of the skin, causing inflammation, redness, and blistering. UV light can also stimulate the production of antibodies and cytokines that can attack the organs and tissues of the body.

Choice A reason: A 44yearold prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia is not at the greatest risk for pressure injury development, because he or she does not have any major risk factors for pressure injury. Pressure injury is a localized damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by pressure, shear, friction, or moisture. Antibiotics for pneumonia do not directly affect the skin integrity or blood circulation, nor do they impair the mobility or sensation of the client.

Choice B reason: A 26yearold bedridden client with a fractured leg is at a high risk for pressure injury development, but not the greatest, because he or she has only one major risk factor for pressure injury. Bedridden status is a major risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes prolonged pressure on the bony prominences, such as the sacrum, heels, or hips, which can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin and tissues. However, the client's age, fracture, and mobility may mitigate some of the risk, as he or she may have better skin elasticity, wound healing, and ability to reposition.

Choice C reason: A 65yearold with hemiparesis and incontinence is at the greatest risk for pressure injury development, because he or she has multiple major risk factors for pressure injury. Age is a risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes decreased skin elasticity, thickness, and vascularity, which can affect the skin's resilience and repair. Hemiparesis is a risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes reduced mobility, sensation, and muscle mass, which can affect the client's ability to reposition, feel pain, and maintain tissue perfusion. Incontinence is a risk factor for pressure injury, because it causes moisture, irritation, and infection of the skin, which can weaken the skin barrier and delay wound healing.

Choice D reason: A 78yearold requiring assistance to ambulate with a walker is at a moderate risk for pressure injury development, but not the greatest, because he or she has only one major risk factor for pressure injury. Age is a risk factor for pressure injury, as explained above. However, the client's ambulation and assistance may reduce some of the risk, as he or she may have less pressure, shear, and friction on the skin and tissues, and more blood circulation and oxygen delivery.