What are opportunistic infections associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Contaminated equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, or needles, should be disposed of in designated containers or bags to prevent exposure or injury to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice B reason: Discarding used syringes into appropriate containers is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Used syringes, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be discarded into punctureresistant, leakproof, and labeled containers to prevent needlestick injuries or exposure to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice C reason: Changing soiled linens is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Soiled linens, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be changed and handled with gloves and minimal agitation to prevent contamination or aerosolization of pathogens. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice D reason: Performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care, because it reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands of the health care worker, which are the most common source and mode of transmission of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after contact with the client, after contact with potentially infectious materials, after removing gloves, and before and after performing invasive procedures. Hand hygiene can be performed by washing with soap and water or using alcoholbased hand rubs.

Choice A reason: The client instills the prescribed number of eye drops into the conjunctival sac is a correct action, because it ensures that the medication reaches the eye surface and does not spill out. The conjunctival sac is the space between the eyelid and the eyeball.

Choice B reason: The client washes her hands before instilling the eye drops is a correct action, because it prevents the introduction of microorganisms or foreign substances into the eye. Hand hygiene is an essential infection control measure.

Choice C reason: The client sets the cap to the eye drop container down in a manner that does not contaminate it is a correct action, because it preserves the sterility of the eye drop solution and prevents crosscontamination. The cap should be placed on a clean surface with the inner side facing up.

Choice D reason: The client touches the administration dropper to the eye is an incorrect action, because it can cause injury, infection, or contamination of the eye drop solution. The administration dropper should be held close to the eye, but not touch it.