A nurse sustained a needlestick injury from a patient whose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was unknow. The nursing supervisor is notified, an incident report is generated, and a post-HIV exposure prophylaxis checklist is started for this nurse. Which implementation will be the first to perform?

A. Encourage the patient and family to manage the patient's activity level and activities of daily living effectively: While managing activity levels and daily living tasks is important for overall health and well-being, this action alone may not directly address feelings of isolation experienced by the patient. Encouraging social support and addressing emotional needs are also vital aspects of care for someone with HIV.

B. Encourage the patient to express feelings of isolation and loneliness, with the assurance that these feelings are not unique or abnormal: Patients with HIV often experience feelings of isolation and loneliness due to stigma, fear of rejection, or loss of social support. Encouraging the patient to openly express these feelings can help them feel validated and understood. Assuring them that such feelings are common among individuals with HIV can help reduce their sense of isolation and promote emotional well-being.

C. Encourage the patient and family to be active partners in the management of immunodeficiency: While involving the patient and family in the management of HIV is essential, this action primarily focuses on medical management rather than addressing the psychosocial aspect of isolation. Collaborative care is important, but addressing emotional needs should also be prioritized.

D. Make sure that the patient and family know how to adjust dosages of the medications used in treatment: While medication adherence is crucial in managing HIV, ensuring proper dosage adjustments is primarily a clinical aspect of care. While important, this action alone may not directly address the patient's feelings of isolation.

A. Apply a heating pad to the lower extremities for pain: Heat application can increase vasodilation and worsen symptoms in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Therefore, it is not recommended as a pain management strategy for PAD.

B. Always wear soft shoes or slippers when out of bed: This instruction is important for patients with PAD to protect their feet from injury and provide adequate support. Soft shoes or slippers help prevent trauma and pressure ulcers, which are common complications in patients with reduced peripheral circulation.

C. Wear knee-high tight socks: Tight socks can restrict blood flow and exacerbate symptoms in patients with PAD. It is important to encourage patients to wear loose-fitting socks to promote adequate circulation.

D. Put cream or lotion between the toes: Moisture between the toes can increase the risk of fungal infections, which can be particularly problematic in patients with compromised circulation. It is important to keep the feet clean and dry and avoid applying cream or lotion between the toes.