A nurse in a clinic is collecting data from a client. The client reports that they do not believe in receiving immunizations. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask the client?

A) Dampened clothes are used for dusting the area: Using dampened clothes for dusting can help minimize the spread of dust and particulate matter in the environment. As long as the cloth is clean and properly disinfected, this action is not typically a source of infection. This is generally a safer approach for cleaning and does not pose an immediate infection risk.

B) Waste containers are lined with: While the phrasing is incomplete, if waste containers are lined properly with appropriate liners and are disposed of regularly, they should not serve as a significant source of infection. Waste disposal is important, but a properly lined container reduces the risk of contamination.

C) Soiled linens are placed on the floor: Placing soiled linens on the floor is a significant source of potential infection for immunocompromised clients. Floors can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and placing soiled linens there increases the likelihood of cross-contamination. The linens should be handled in a way that prevents contact with unclean surfaces to avoid spreading infection.

D) Uncapped sharps are put in a puncture-resistant container: A puncture-resistant container is designed to safely contain sharps such as needles, scalpels, or other sharp objects, minimizing the risk of injury. If sharps are uncapped, however, they could present a risk of needle-stick injury or contamination. However, the main risk comes from improper disposal, not the container itself. Proper disposal in an appropriately designed container is essential to minimizing infection risks.

A) Decreased platelets: A decrease in platelet count (thrombocytopenia) is often associated with conditions such as bleeding disorders, bone marrow problems, or certain infections, but it is not a direct indicator of infection. While infections can cause a drop in platelets, this is not a specific or primary indicator of infection.

B) Decreased hemoglobin: A decrease in hemoglobin is typically indicative of anemia, which can result from a variety of causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, or blood loss. While anemia can be associated with some infections, it is not a specific indicator of infection.

C) Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): An increased ESR is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation in the body and can be associated with infections, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly elevated during infections, as the body responds to the inflammatory process. Therefore, an elevated ESR is a useful laboratory finding when suspecting an infection.

D) Increased iron level: Increased iron levels are typically associated with conditions such as hemochromatosis or iron overload, not with infections. During infections, iron levels can actually decrease due to the body's response to restrict iron availability to pathogens.