What should the nurse determine about the mother with AIDS caring for her baby?

Determining if the baby is breastfeeding is crucial for understanding the potential risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. Breastfeeding can transmit HIV, so the nurse needs to assess this factor to provide the mother's care effectively and to make appropriate recommendations.

Considering the context of the mother with AIDS, it's important to evaluate the method of infant feeding. If the mother is breastfeeding, specific steps may need to be taken to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby. This assessment enables the healthcare provider to offer tailored advice and interventions concerning infant feeding practices in the context of maternal HIV.

Other factors, while relevant for overall maternal and infant health, do not directly address the immediate concern of HIV transmission through breastfeeding. For example, whether the mother is on medication is an important aspect of her HIV management, but it does not directly relate to the infant's feeding practices. Similarly, understanding the baby's symptoms or the mother's support network can be significant for ongoing care but are not as immediately critical as the feeding method in regard to the risk of HIV transmission.