most common risk factors

Question 1

what should nurses assess in terms of risk factors

Answer 1

assess each client for the risks of infection specific to the client, the disease or injury, and the environment

Question 2

what are the most common risk factors for infection

Answer 2

●● Inadequate hand hygiene (client and caregivers).

●● Individuals who have compromised health or defenses against
infection, which include:
◯◯ Those who are immunocompromised.
◯◯ Those who have had surgery.
◯◯ Those with indwelling devices.
◯◯ A break in the skin (the body’s best protection
against infection).
◯◯ Those with poor oxygenation.
◯◯ Those with impaired circulation.
◯◯ Those who have chronic or acute disease, such as diabetes mellitus, adrenal insufficiency, renal failure, hepatic failure, or chronic lung disease.

●● Caregivers using medical or surgical asepsis that does not follow the established standards. (11.2)

●● Clients who have poor personal hygiene or poor
nutrition, smoke, or consume excessive amounts of
alcohol, and those experiencing stress.

●● Clients who live in a very crowded environment.

Question 3

what are the risk factors for older adults getting an infection

Answer 3

slowed response to antibiotic therapy, slowed immune response,
loss of subcutaneous tissue and thinning of the skin,
decreased vascularity and slowed wound healing,
decreased cough and gag reflexes, chronic illnesses,
decreased gastric acid production, decreased mobility, bowel and bladder incontinence, dementia,
and greater incidence of invasive devices such as a urinary catheter or feeding tube.

●● Individuals who make poor lifestyle choices that put them at risk, which include:
◯◯ Clients who use IV drugs and share needles.
◯◯ Clients who engage in unprotected sex.

●● Clients who have recently been exposed to:
◯◯ Poor sanitation.
◯◯ Mosquito‑borne or parasitic diseases.
◯◯ Diseases endemic to the area visited, but not in the client’s home country.