The practical nurse (PN) knows that AIDS is a viral infection that compromises the effectiveness of the immune system. Which component of the immune system is characteristically affected?

Choice A reason: Driving a car is an activity that requires physical and mental focus, which can be impaired following surgery. The client recovering from a transurethral prostatectomy might experience discomfort, pain, or the effects of anesthesia, which could affect their ability to drive safely. Additionally, there is a risk of increased pressure on the surgical site while sitting for prolonged periods, which can impact the healing process. Limiting this activity until after the first postoperative visit ensures that the healthcare provider can assess the client's recovery and provide appropriate guidance on when it is safe to resume driving.
Choice B reason: Eating high-fiber foods is generally encouraged to prevent constipation, which is a common issue post-surgery. Fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements and can reduce the strain during defecation. This is beneficial for clients recovering from a transurethral prostatectomy as straining can increase pressure on the surgical site. Therefore, there is no need to limit the intake of high-fiber foods; rather, it should be reinforced as a positive dietary habit during the recovery period.
Choice C reason: Kegel exercises are recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can aid in improving urinary control post-surgery. These exercises are an integral part of the recovery process for clients undergoing prostate surgery and can significantly enhance bladder function. Thus, Kegel exercises should not be limited but should be encouraged as part of the client's postoperative care plan.
Choice D reason: Walking around the house is a low-impact activity that can promote circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It also helps in maintaining overall mobility and can aid in the recovery process. Limiting such light physical activity is unnecessary, as it can have several benefits for the client during the postoperative period. Encouraging gentle movement is generally advantageous for recovery.

Choice A reason: Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. While aldosterone levels can indicate adrenal function, they are not as commonly used as cortisol levels in diagnosing adrenal cortex failure. Aldosterone regulation is also influenced by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, making it a less direct indicator of overall adrenal cortex function compared to cortisol.
Choice B reason: Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Measuring cortisol levels is a primary method for assessing adrenal cortex function. Low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or failure, such as in conditions like Addison's disease. Evaluating cortisol levels provides a direct assessment of the adrenal gland’s ability to produce essential hormones necessary for the body's normal functioning.
Choice C reason: Thyroxine (T4) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the adrenal cortex. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. While thyroxine levels are important for thyroid function assessment, they do not directly reflect the functioning of the adrenal gland. Therefore, thyroxine levels are not relevant in diagnosing adrenal cortex failure.
Choice D reason: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. It is not related to the adrenal cortex. Monitoring insulin levels is important for diagnosing and managing diabetes mellitus but does not provide information about the functioning of the adrenal gland. Insulin levels are not used to assess adrenal cortex function.