You are the clinic nurse caring for a client with a suspected diagnosis of HIV. You are preparing to draw blood for a confirmatory diagnostic test on this client. What is the most important action that the nurse should perform before testing a client for HIV?
A) Advise the client to avoid excess fluid intake.
B) Advise the client to abstain from having intercourse.
C) Advise the client to take off any ornaments and metallic objects.
D) Obtain a written consent from the client.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most important action that the nurse should perform before testing a client for HIV is to obtain informed consent from the client. The client must have a clear understanding of what the test involves, the possible implications of a positive test result, and the confidentiality of test results. It is the client's right to decline testing, and written consent is necessary to document that the client has been fully informed and has given permission for the test to be performed. The other options, such as advising the client to avoid excess fluid intake, to abstain from having intercourse, or to take off any ornaments and metallic objects, may be relevant to administering the test but are not as important as obtaining informed consent.

You Are the Clinic Nurse Caring for a Client with a Suspected