Which of the following is NOT a factor placing patients with compromised immunity at risk for infection?

Patients with compromised immunity face various risks that can elevate their chances of developing infections. Chronic steroid therapy, HIV, and neutropenia are all significant factors that directly contribute to a weakened immune system.

Chronic steroid therapy can suppress the immune response, making it more challenging for the body to fight off infections. Similarly, HIV directly targets and destroys key components of the immune system, leading to an increased vulnerability to opportunistic infections. Neutropenia, which is a condition characterized by an abnormally low count of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), fundamentally compromises the body’s ability to respond to pathogens.

In contrast, regular exercise is generally associated with maintaining and enhancing immune function rather than compromising it. Moderate, regular physical activity can help bolster the immune system, improve circulation, and overall contribute positively to health, including immune response. Therefore, this choice does not increase infection risk, distinguishing it as the correct answer to the question.