The nurse is reviewing the care needs for a group of assigned clients.

The nurse is reviewing the care needs for a group of assigned clients. Which client should the nurse recognize as being most at risk for a nosocomial infection?

1. A client in the emergency department with abdominal pain
2. A 19-year-old woman in her first trimester of pregnancy
3. A 72-year-old male client with COPD
4. An 86-year-old female client on steroid therapy

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: A client in the emergency department with abdominal pain has just arrived in the facility, and not enough time has elapsed for this client to be considered to have a nosocomial infection. If this client has an infection, it would be community acquired.
Rationale 2: The 19-year-old female who is pregnant is at a low risk.
Rationale 3: The 72-year-old male with COPD is at a lower risk for infection than the 82-year-old because the older client has a weakened immune system because of taking steroids.
Rationale 4: The client most at risk for a nosocomial infection is the client who is 86 years old and on steroid therapy. The very old and very young are most susceptible to infections. The 86-year-old client is also on steroid therapy, which compromises the immune system.