A nurse is changing the bed linen for a client who is on contact precautions. Which of the following personal protective equipment should the nurse wear?

A. Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) typically manifests with symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. It does not cause changes in lung auscultation findings.
B. Pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, crackles (rales) on lung auscultation, and possibly decreased oxygen saturation. While pulmonary edema can cause abnormal lung sounds, it is less likely in a client recovering from a lacerated spleen unless there are additional complications or comorbidities.
C. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of a part of the lung, resulting in reduced or absent air exchange. It can occur due to prolonged bedrest, shallow breathing, or conditions that restrict lung expansion. A client who has been on bedrest for several days is at increased risk for developing atelectasis, especially in the lower lobes where ventilation may be compromised. Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes suggest atelectasis as a likely condition.
D. An upper respiratory infection typically affects the upper airways (nose, throat, sinuses), causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and sometimes fever. Lung auscultation findings in an upper respiratory infection are more likely to include rhonchi or wheezes rather than decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes.

A. Immunosuppressant medications are drugs that suppress or weaken the immune system. They are often prescribed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs or to treat autoimmune diseases. However, a weakened immune system makes individuals more susceptible to infections because their body's ability to fight off pathogens is compromised. Therefore, clients taking immunosuppressant medications have an increased risk of contracting communicable diseases.
B. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making it less effective in defending against infections. Essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in immune function. A deficiency in these nutrients can impair immune responses, making individuals more vulnerable to communicable diseases.
C. Keeping immunizations up to date helps protect individuals from specific communicable diseases for which vaccines are available. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against particular pathogens, providing immunity. Therefore, if immunizations are up to date, the client's risk of contracting certain communicable diseases is reduced.
D. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, known as immunosenescence, which can weaken immune responses. Older adults may have decreased production of immune cells and antibodies, making them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, aging is often accompanied by chronic health conditions or medications that further compromise immune function, increasing the risk of communicable diseases.
E. Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility can increase the risk of exposure to communicable diseases due to close contact with other residents, sharing of common spaces, and potentially inadequate infection control practices. Older adults in nursing homes may also have multiple chronic conditions and weakened immune systems, further increasing their susceptibility to infections.