What is an example of a client's primary defense to infection?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because a skin infection is not transmitted by airborne droplets. A skin infection is usually caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites that invade the skin and cause inflammation, redness, itching, or pus. A skin infection can be contagious by direct contact with the infected area or by sharing personal items, such as towels, clothing, or razors. The client with a skin infection should be placed in isolation for contact precautions, which involve wearing gloves and gowns and using disposable equipment.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because a fever with cough can be a sign of a respiratory infection that is transmitted by airborne droplets. A respiratory infection is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi that infect the lungs, throat, or nose and cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. A respiratory infection can be contagious by inhaling the tiny droplets that are released when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The client with a respiratory infection should be placed in isolation for airborne precautions, which involve wearing a respirator mask and placing the client in a negative pressure room.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because a rash is not transmitted by airborne droplets. A rash is a change in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin that can be caused by various factors, such as allergies, infections, medications, or injuries. A rash can be contagious by direct contact with the affected skin or by sharing personal items, such as clothing, bedding, or sports equipment. The client with a rash should be placed in isolation for contact precautions, which involve wearing gloves and gowns and using disposable equipment.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because heart palpitations are not transmitted by airborne droplets. Heart palpitations are the sensation of having a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat that can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, or heart conditions. Heart palpitations are not contagious and do not require isolation. The client with heart palpitations should be evaluated for the underlying cause and treated accordingly.

Choice A reason: "Tell me about what medications you are taking." is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Medications are part of the physical or pharmacological assessment, which focuses on the type, dose, frequency, and effectiveness of the drugs that the client is taking for rheumatoid arthritis. Medications may have some psychosocial implications, such as side effects, costs, or adherence, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.

Choice B reason: "What physical limitations are you experiencing?" is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Physical limitations are part of the functional or mobility assessment, which focuses on the range of motion, strength, endurance, and coordination of the joints and muscles that are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Physical limitations may have some psychosocial implications, such as pain, disability, or dependence, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.

Choice C reason: "How does this impact your role in your family?" is the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is related to the psychosocial assessment. Role in the family is part of the social or relational assessment, which focuses on the interactions, responsibilities, and expectations of the client and their family members in relation to rheumatoid arthritis. Role in the family may have significant psychosocial implications, such as role changes, role conflicts, role strain, or role loss, which can affect the client's selfesteem, identity, and coping.

Choice D reason: "What therapies are you using to reduce swelling?" is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Therapies are part of the physical or nonpharmacological assessment, which focuses on the modalities, techniques, or devices that the client is using to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Therapies may have some psychosocial implications, such as availability, accessibility, or preference, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.