What nursing interventions decrease the risk of pressure injuries? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is not the priority assessment because peripheral edema is not a lifethreatening complication of immobility. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower extremities due to fluid accumulation. It can be caused by various factors, such as venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney disease, or medication side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid status and provide elevation and compression therapy as needed.

Choice B reason: This is the priority assessment because lung sounds can indicate the presence of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia or atelectasis, which are common and serious consequences of immobility. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation, mucus production, and impaired gas exchange. Atelectasis is the collapse of alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. The nurse should auscultate the client's lung sounds regularly and report any abnormal findings, such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds. The nurse should also encourage the client to cough, deep breathe, and use incentive spirometry to prevent or treat respiratory problems.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority assessment because bowel sounds can reflect the status of the gastrointestinal system, which is not directly affected by immobility. Bowel sounds are the noises produced by the movement of food and gas through the intestines. They can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the client's diet, activity, and medications. The nurse should auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess for any signs of constipation, diarrhea, or obstruction. The nurse should also promote the client's bowel function by providing adequate hydration, fiber, and laxatives as ordered.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority assessment because skin turgor can indicate the level of hydration, which is not a primary concern of immobility. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that allows it to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled. It can be affected by factors such as age, weight loss, dehydration, or edema. The nurse should assess the client's skin turgor and provide adequate fluids and electrolytes as needed. The nurse should also pay attention to the client's skin integrity and prevent or treat any pressure ulcers or wounds that may result from immobility.

Choice A reason: Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, which normally live in the mouth, throat, vagina, and intestines. In people with AIDS, the immune system is weakened and cannot control the growth of Candida, leading to oral thrush, esophagitis, vaginitis, or systemic candidiasis.

Choice B reason: Hodgkin's lymphoma is not an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is characterized by the presence of ReedSternberg cells, which are abnormal lymphocytes. The exact cause of Hodgkin's lymphoma is unknown, but it is not related to any specific infection.

Choice C reason: Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a fungal infection caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci, which normally lives in the lungs of healthy people without causing any symptoms. In people with AIDS, the immune system is weakened and cannot prevent the invasion of Pneumocystis jiroveci, leading to pneumonia, which is a serious and potentially fatal lung infection.

Choice D reason: Clostridium difficile is not an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. Clostridium difficile is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium difficile, which normally lives in the colon of healthy people without causing any problems. In some cases, the use of antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the colon and allow Clostridium difficile to overgrow and produce toxins, leading to diarrhea, colitis, or pseudomembranous colitis. This infection can affect anyone, regardless of their HIV status.

Choice E reason: NonHodgkin's lymphoma is an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. NonHodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is characterized by the presence of abnormal lymphocytes, which may be B cells, T cells, or natural killer cells. NonHodgkin's lymphoma is associated with several infections, such as EpsteinBarr virus, human herpesvirus 8, hepatitis C virus, and human Tcell leukemia virus, which may trigger the transformation of lymphocytes in people with AIDS.