A nurse is providing oral hygiene for an unconscious client. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Choice A reason: Color is an important indicator of the blood flow and oxygenation to the affected extremity. The nurse should compare the color of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes of the affected and unaffected extremities and look for any signs of pallor, cyanosis, or mottling. These signs can indicate ischemia, hypoxia, or impaired circulation, which can lead to tissue damage or necrosis.

Choice B reason: Temperature is another important indicator of the blood flow and oxygenation to the affected extremity. The nurse should compare the temperature of the skin of the affected and unaffected extremities by palpating with the back of the hand and look for any signs of warmth or coolness. These signs can indicate inflammation, infection, or reduced perfusion, which can affect the healing process or cause complications.

Choice C reason: Ecchymosis is not an indicator of the neurovascular status of the affected extremity. Ecchymosis is the discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding under the skin, which can result from trauma, surgery, or anticoagulant therapy. Ecchymosis is expected after an ORIF of a femur fracture and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the blood flow or oxygenation to the extremity.

Choice D reason: Skin integrity is not an indicator of the neurovascular status of the affected extremity. Skin integrity is the condition of the skin and its ability to resist damage, infection, or breakdown. Skin integrity can be affected by factors such as pressure, friction, moisture, or foreign bodies. The nurse should assess the skin integrity of the affected extremity and look for any signs of wounds, ulcers, or infections, but these signs do not reflect the neurovascular status of the extremity.

Choice E reason: Sensation is an important indicator of the nerve function and innervation of the affected extremity. The nurse should assess the sensation of the affected extremity by asking the client to report any numbness, tingling, or pain, or by testing the client's response to light touch, pressure, or temperature. These signs can indicate nerve damage, compression, or irritation, which can affect the mobility and function of the extremity.

Choice A reason: A temperature of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit is a sign of fever, which is a common symptom of infection. Clients with AIDS have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Fever indicates that the body is trying to fight off an infection.

Choice B reason: An oxygen saturation of 97% on room air is within the normal range and does not indicate infection. Oxygen saturation measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen in the blood. A low oxygen saturation may indicate respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, which is a common infection in clients with AIDS.

Choice C reason: A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute is slightly above the normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute, but it does not necessarily indicate infection. Respiratory rate may vary depending on factors such as activity level, stress, pain, or anxiety. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, which could be caused by infection or other conditions.

Choice D reason: Purulent drainage is a thick, yellowgreen, or brown pus that indicates infection. It may come from a wound, an abscess, or a body cavity. Purulent drainage is a sign of inflammation and infection and should be reported to the health care provider.

Choice E reason: A client's ability to ambulate 20 feet is not related to infection. Ambulation is a measure of mobility and function and may be affected by factors such as pain, fatigue, or muscle weakness. Ambulation does not reflect the presence or absence of infection.