The nurse is assessing a new patient admitted to home health. To decrease the risk of infection, which of these questions would be most appropriate to ask? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. "Will you demonstrate how to wash your hands?"
b. "Do you have a working refrigerator?"
c. "Can you explain the risk for infection in your home?"
d. "What are the signs and symptoms of infection?"
e. "Who runs errands for you?"
f. "Are you able to walk to the mailbox?"

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C, D
In the home setting, the objective is that the patient and or family will utilize proper infection control techniques. Asking the patient and family about hand washing, risk of infection, and signs and symptoms of infection is important in evaluating the patient's knowledge base on infection control strategies. Refrigeration is essential in keeping perishables cold and in preventing foodborne illnesses and in allowing storage of enteral feedings or refrigerated medications. Activity assessment is important for evaluation of the overall status of the patient, and knowing who runs errands gives you information on who is helping to meet the needs of the patient, but neither of these relate to decreasing the risk of infection.