What is the appropriate precaution for a nurse caring for a client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)?

Using standard precautions is the appropriate precaution for a nurse caring for a client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) because this approach is designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens. Standard precautions include practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids, and safe needle practices. These measures are essential in protecting both the healthcare worker and the patient, given that individuals with AIDS have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.

This strategy is effective regardless of the patient's diagnosis and should be consistently applied in healthcare settings to enhance safety and minimize the risk of infection transmission. In contrast, airborne precautions are unnecessary for AIDS as it is not transmitted through the air; therefore, they do not apply to the care of individuals with this condition. Planning interventions to limit direct contact, while sometimes necessary in specific isolated scenarios, is not a standard requirement for caring for AIDS patients. Lastly, discouraging long visits from family members is not ethically sound practice, as support from loved ones is crucial for the emotional well-being of patients living with chronic conditions like AIDS.