The nurse is concerned that a client is at risk for a nosocomial infec

The nurse is concerned that a client is at risk for a nosocomial infection. What did the nurse assess to make this clinical decision?

1. Client is receiving intravenous fluids.
2. Client has an indwelling urinary catheter.
3. Client is recovering from surgery.
4. Client is receiving pain medication.
5. Client is ambulating twice a day with assistance.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3
Rationale 1: Bacteremia can occur from an intravascular line.
Rationale 2: The client could develop an infection from an invasive procedure or device such as an indwelling urinary catheter.
Rationale 3: After surgery, the client’s health status is compromised, lowering the client’s defenses to fight infection.
Rationale 4: Receiving pain medication does not increase the client’s risk for developing a nosocomial infection.
Rationale 5: Ambulation does not increase the client’s risk for developing a nosocomial infection.