What precautions should a nurse take when caring for a client diagnosed with AIDS?

Using standard precautions is the appropriate approach when caring for a client diagnosed with AIDS. Standard precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings. These precautions include practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and gowns when necessary, and safe handling of potentially contaminated surfaces and materials.

Clients with AIDS often have compromised immune systems due to HIV infection, and while they may be at risk for opportunistic infections, they are not inherently more infectious than other patients. Therefore, standard precautions are sufficient to protect both the client and healthcare workers.

Implementing reverse isolation, which is meant for patients with severely compromised immunity (such as those undergoing organ transplants or chemotherapy), is not routinely necessary for clients with AIDS unless they have specific underlying conditions that require it. Wearing a mask at all times could be overly cautious and is typically not required unless there is a specific indication, such as during procedures that may generate aerosols. Using only sterile gloves is not necessary for routine care; clean, non-sterile gloves are sufficient unless dealing with specific situations that demand sterility.