The nurse is caring for a patient with a stage III pressure ulcer. The nurse has assigned a nursing diagnosis of Risk for infection. Which intervention would be most important for this patient?
a. Teach the family how to manage the odor associated with the wound.
b. Discuss with the family how to prepare for care of the patient in the home.
c. Encourage thorough handwashing of all individuals caring for the patient.
d. Encourage increased quantities of carbohydrates and fats.
ANS: C
The number one way to decrease the risk of infection by breaking the chain of infection is to wash hands. Encouraging fluid and food intake helps with overall wellness and wound healing, especially protein, but an increase in carbohydrates and fats does not relate to the risk of infection. If the patient will be discharged before the wound is healed, the family will certainly need education on how to care for the patient. Teaching the family how to manage the odor associated with a wound is certainly important, but these interventions do not directly relate to the risk of infection and breaking the chain of the infectious process.
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