Nursing Diagnosis Risk for Infection

Nursing Diagnosis Risk for Infection: At increased risk for being invaded by pathogenic organisms

Risk Factors

• Invasive procedures
• Insufficient knowledge regarding avoidance of exposure to pathogens
• Trauma, Tissue destruction and increased environmental exposure, Rupture of amniotic membranes
• Pharmaceutical agents (e.g. Immunosuppressant)
• Malnutrition
• Increased environmental exposure to pathogens
• Inadequate acquired immunity
• Inadequate secondary defences (e.g. decreased haemoglobin)
• Chronic disease

Nursing Outcomes

• Immune Status
• Knowledge: Infection Control
• Risk Control
• Risk Detection

Client Outcomes

• Remains free from symptoms of infection
• States symptoms of infection of which to be aware
• Demonstrates appropriate care of infection.
• Maintains white blood cell count and differential within normal limits
• Demonstrates appropriate hygienic measures such as hand washing, oral care, and perinea care

Nursing Interventions
Infection Control
Infection Protection

• Observe and report signs of Infection.
• Assess temperature, Use an electronic or mercury thermometer to assess temperature.
• Note and report laboratory values (e.g., white blood cell count and differential, serum protein, serum albumin, and cultures).
• Assess skin for colour, moisture, texture, and turgor (elasticity).
• Carefully wash and pat dry skin, including skinfold area. Use hydration and moisturization on all at-risk surfaces.
• Encourage a balanced diet, emphasizing proteins to feed the immune system.
• Prevent nosocomial pneumonia.
• Encourage fluid intake and adequate rest to bolster the immune system.
• Before and after giving care to client use Proper hand washing techniques.
• Use goggles, gloves, and gowns when appropriate Follow Standard Precautions and wear gloves during any contact with blood, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, or any body substance.
• Transmission Based Precautions for

• Airborne
• Droplet
• Contact transmitted

• Sterile technique on catheterize.
• Use careful technique when changing and emptying urinary catheter bags; avoid cross contamination.
• Use careful sterile technique wherever there is a loss of skin integrity.
• Ensure client's appropriate hygienic care with hand washing; bathing; and hair, nail, and perinea care.
• Antibiotics.