The nursing assistant is caring for a client diagnosed with HIV/AIDS admitted to the hospital for an infection and placed on a new antibiotic who suddenly develops a nonraised red rash and itching. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client is receiving an antibiotic for the first time and develops a rash, so the nursing assistant should first tell the nurse immediately about the observations. Even if the client has had a rash before, it was most likely for different reasons. New rashes can happen for many reasons, but always need evaluated right away. Trimming and filing the nails or using soapless cleansers will help protect the skin from further breakdown but are not as urgent as reporting the new change in the client to the nurse.

The Nursing Assistant Is Caring for a Client Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS