Risk for Infection

Nursing Diagnosis Definition

Risk for Infection: Vulnerability to the invasion and multiplication of pathogenic organisms. This diagnosis addresses a patient's potential to develop an infection due to various factors.

Defining Characteristics (Subjective and Objective)

Subjective

• Complaints of pain, discomfort, or itchiness: Patient reports experiencing pain, discomfort, or itchiness.
• Reports of fever or chills: Patient reports having a fever or experiencing chills.

Objective

• Redness, swelling, or warmth of affected area: Observable signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or warmth.
• Drainage or discharge from affected area: Observable drainage or discharge from the affected area.
• Positive culture results: Laboratory results indicating the presence of pathogenic organisms.

Related Factors

• Immunosuppression (due to disease or medication): Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system.
• Invasive procedures or devices: Medical interventions that breach the body's natural defenses.
• Poor hygiene: Inadequate cleanliness practices that increase the risk of infection.
• Exposure to pathogenic organisms: Contact with harmful microorganisms that may cause infection.
• Trauma or wounds: Injuries or open wounds that create a potential entry point for pathogens.

Risk Population

• Elderly individuals: Age-related factors that may compromise the immune system.
• Individuals with chronic illnesses: Underlying health conditions that increase susceptibility to infections.
• Individuals who have recently had surgery: Postoperative patients with increased vulnerability.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems: Conditions or treatments that compromise the immune response.
• Individuals in long-term care facilities: Settings where infections can spread easily.

Associated Problems

• Septicemia: Systemic infection leading to a severe response in the body.
• Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs often caused by infectious agents.
• Urinary tract infections: Infections affecting the urinary system.
• Wound infections: Infections occurring in open wounds or surgical sites.
• Cellulitis: Bacterial skin infection.

Suggestions for Use

• Assess the patient's risk factors for infection: Identify conditions or situations that may increase the risk of infection.
• Implement infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and proper wound care: Employ preventive strategies to minimize the risk of infection.
• Monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature and white blood cell count: Regularly assess key indicators of infection.
• Administer any prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications: Follow medical recommendations for treating or preventing infection.
• Educate the patient and their family on ways to reduce their risk for infection: Provide information on hygiene practices and other preventive measures.

Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis

• Impaired skin integrity: Compromised condition of the skin that increases susceptibility to infection.
• Impaired wound healing: Delayed or compromised healing of wounds, predisposing to infection.
• Ineffective protection: Inability to guard against potential infectious agents.
• Ineffective health maintenance: Lack of behaviors to preserve or improve health, leading to increased infection risk.

Usage Tips

• Be specific in identifying the location and type of infection when documenting
• Consider using additional diagnoses in addition to "Risk for Infection" to fully address the patient's care needs
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including the physician and microbiologist, to determine the appropriate course of action for the patient

NOC Results

• Infection Control: The patient's risk for infection is identified and appropriate measures are taken to prevent the spread of infection.
• Immune Status: The patient's immune system is able to effectively fight off potential infections.
• Tissue Integrity: The patient's skin and wound integrity are maintained, preventing the entry of pathogenic organisms.
• Health Maintenance: The patient and their family are educated on ways to maintain their health and reduce their risk for infection.

NIC Interventions

• Infection Control: Implementing proper hand hygiene and wound care techniques to prevent the spread of infection.
• Immune Enhancement: Administering medications to enhance the patient's immune system and fight off potential infections.
• Tissue Integrity Promotion: Assessing and managing the patient's skin and wound integrity to prevent the entry of pathogenic organisms.
• Health Education: Educating the patient and their family on ways to maintain their health and reduce their risk for infection.