A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?

A. WBC 5,000/mm³: This value is within the normal range (5,000–10,000/mm³) and is not the priority concern. B. Positive Western blot test: This confirms the HIV diagnosis but does not indicate the current immune status or immediate risk. C. CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm³: A CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ indicates severe immunosuppression (AIDS), placing the client at high risk for opportunistic infections. This is the priority finding. D. Platelets 150,000/mm³: This is within the normal range (150,000–400,000/mm³) and does not require urgent follow-up.