An older client with gallbladder disease has had a cholecystectomy. Wh

An older client with gallbladder disease has had a cholecystectomy. Which factor should the nurse realize would influence the development of an infection in this client?

1. Active bowel sounds
2. Dry intact skin
3. Intact mucous membranes
4. Susceptibility of the client

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Active bowel sounds would indicate the body is able to defend itself against an infection.
Rationale 2: Dry intact skin is a factor that would help the body defend against an infection.
Rationale 3: Intact mucous membranes is a factor that would help the body defend against infection.
Rationale 4: How susceptible the client is for an infection is one of the factors that influences microorganism growth. This client is 80 years old and has a surgical incision, so the first line of defense, the skin, is not intact.