A nurse enters the hospital room of a client with reduced immunity. What observation requires further action by the nurse?

Choice A reason: "Because it is easy to digest." is not the best response by the nurse. This is not a valid reason for giving protein supplements to a client with a bed sore. Protein supplements may or may not be easy to digest depending on the type and amount of protein and the client's digestive system. The ease of digestion is not the main goal of protein supplementation.

Choice B reason: "If you don't like it, you don't have to take it." is not the best response by the nurse. This is a dismissive and unprofessional response that does not address the client's question or concern. Protein supplements are prescribed for a reason and the client should be educated on the benefits and risks of taking or refusing them. The nurse should also respect the client's preferences and choices and offer alternatives if possible.

Choice C reason: "These supplements have nothing to do with your wound." is not the best response by the nurse. This is a false and misleading statement that contradicts the evidencebased practice of wound care. Protein supplements have a lot to do with wound healing as they provide the essential nutrients for tissue repair and regeneration. Protein deficiency can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection and complications.

Choice D reason: "Protein has amino acids that promote wound healing." is the best response by the nurse. This is a factual and informative statement that explains the rationale for giving protein supplements to a client with a bed sore. Protein is composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells and tissues. Amino acids are involved in various processes of wound healing, such as collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immune response. Protein supplementation can enhance wound healing and prevent protein malnutrition.

Choice A reason: Washing your hands thoroughly is an important measure to reduce the risk of infection. Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of germs that can cause diseases. Hand washing can remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the skin and prevent them from entering the body or spreading to others. The nurse should teach the client with AIDS to wash their hands frequently and properly, especially before and after eating, using the bathroom, touching their face, or handling any objects that may be contaminated.

Choice B reason: Avoiding cleaning your toothbrush with bleach is not a measure to reduce the risk of infection. Cleaning your toothbrush with bleach is not a recommended practice, as bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage the toothbrush and irritate the mouth. However, cleaning your toothbrush with bleach does not increase the risk of infection, as bleach can kill most germs that may be present on the toothbrush. The nurse should teach the client with AIDS to rinse their toothbrush with water after each use and replace it every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn or frayed.

Choice C reason: Avoiding raw fruits and vegetables is a measure to reduce the risk of infection. Raw fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or pesticides that can cause foodborne illnesses. The client with AIDS has a weakened immune system that cannot fight off these infections effectively and may develop serious complications, such as diarrhea, dehydration, or malnutrition. The nurse should teach the client with AIDS to wash, peel, or cook their fruits and vegetables before eating them and to avoid any that are bruised, moldy, or spoiled.

Choice D reason: Avoiding crowds is a measure to reduce the risk of infection. Crowds are places where many people gather and interact, such as public transportation, shopping malls, schools, or workplaces. Crowds increase the exposure to germs that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, or skin infections. The client with AIDS has a lowered resistance to these infections and may contract them more easily and severely. The nurse should teach the client with AIDS to avoid crowds as much as possible and to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and use hand sanitizer if they have to be in a crowded place.

Choice E reason: Not sharing toothpaste with family members is a measure to reduce the risk of infection. Sharing toothpaste with family members can transfer saliva, blood, or other body fluids that may contain germs that can cause oral, dental, or systemic infections. The client with AIDS is more susceptible to these infections and may also transmit the HIV virus to their family members through their body fluids. The nurse should teach the client with AIDS to use their own toothpaste and toothbrush and to store them separately from their family members' ones.