The nurse is caring for a patient who has AIDS. For which opportunistic lung infection caused by a fungus should the nurse monitor in this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Patients with AIDS are at high risk for opportunistic infections, particularly Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia due to their compromised immune system. This infection is a common cause of respiratory issues in AIDS patients. Monitoring for this specific infection is crucial for early detection and treatment.
A: Tuberculosis is also a common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, but the question specifically mentions a lung infection caused by a fungus, ruling out tuberculosis.
B: Cytomegalovirus is a viral infection, not caused by a fungus, hence it is not the correct answer.
C: Candida albicans is a fungal infection, but it typically affects mucous membranes like the mouth and throat, not the lungs as specified in the question.