The nurse is planning care for a patient with a diagnosis of immunodeficiency and should incorporate which action as a priority in the plan?

Rationale: A. Protecting the patient from infection is correct because patients with immunodeficiency have a compromised immune system, making them highly susceptible to infections, which are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. Priority nursing interventions include strict hand hygiene, use of protective equipment, infection control precautions, and minimizing exposure to pathogens. Preventing infection takes precedence over psychosocial or educational interventions because it addresses an immediate, life-threatening risk. B. Encouraging discussion about lifestyle changes is important for long-term health promotion but is not the immediate priority. While lifestyle modifications (nutrition, sleep, stress management) can support immune function, they do not address the urgent threat of infection. C. Identifying factors that decreased the immune function is part of the assessment and overall plan but is secondary to protecting the patient from immediate harm. Recognition of contributing factors helps guide care, but interventions to prevent infection take precedence. D. Providing emotional support to decrease fear is important for holistic care and patient well-being, but it is not the priority over physical safety. Emotional support should be provided alongside but after implementing measures to prevent infection.