Who among the following clients should the nurse monitor closely for signs of a fungal infection?

Patients receiving therapy for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) should be closely monitored for signs of fungal infections due to their compromised immune systems. HIV/AIDS significantly weakens the immune response, particularly affecting the body’s ability to fight off opportunistic infections, which include various fungal pathogens.

Individuals with AIDS have increased susceptibility to a range of fungal infections, such as candidiasis and pneumocystis pneumonia. The lack of adequate immune response allows these normally harmless organisms to proliferate and cause illness. Close monitoring for signs of infection is critical to ensure timely intervention and management.

While other groups, such as post-surgical patients, those undergoing chemotherapy, and individuals with diabetes, can also be at risk for infections due to various risk factors, the immunocompromised state associated with AIDS presents a much higher risk, particularly for opportunistic infections like fungal infections. Therefore, the priority should be on clients with AIDS in this context.