The nurse is caring for a 16-year-old child with a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). What treatment goal has the highest priority for this child?

A. Exposure to contaminated body fluid:

HIV can be transmitted through exposure to contaminated body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. However, in the context of infants, mother-to-child transmission is the primary mode of concern.

B. Mother-to-child transmission:

Mother-to-child transmission, also known as perinatal or vertical transmission, is the major means of HIV transmission in infants. It can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding when the virus is passed from an HIV-positive mother to her child.

C. Blood transfusions:

While HIV transmission through blood transfusions was a concern in the past, current blood screening and testing procedures have significantly reduced this risk. It is not a major means of transmission in the infant population.

D. Sharing of infected needles:

The sharing of infected needles is a risk factor for HIV transmission among individuals who use injection drugs. However, this mode of transmission is not relevant to infants, as they are not typically exposed to such risk factors.

A. Preventing spread of infection:

This is a priority because individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have a compromised immune system. Preventing the spread of infections is crucial to avoid additional complications and safeguard the individual's health.

B. Maintaining skin integrity:

Skin integrity is important for overall health, but in the context of AIDS, preventing infections and promoting immune function take precedence over maintaining skin integrity. Skin issues might be secondary to the immune system's compromised state.

C. Improving nutrition:

Good nutrition is important for overall health, including supporting the immune system. However, preventing the spread of infection is more immediate and critical in the case of someone with AIDS. Addressing nutritional needs can be part of the overall care plan but might be secondary to preventing infections.

D. Promoting comfort:

While promoting comfort is essential in nursing care, the priority in the case of a child with AIDS would be preventing the spread of infection due to the immunocompromised state. Comfort measures may be incorporated into the care plan, but they would not take precedence over preventing further health complications.