A nurse is providing care to a client who is immunocompromised.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as a possible source of infection?

The correct answers are C and D.

Choice A reason: Preferred bath time is a personal preference and comfort-related aspect of patient care. While it is important for overall patient satisfaction and care planning, it is not critical information for a change-of-shift report following a total knee arthroscopy. The focus in such reports is typically on clinical status, immediate care needs, and potential complications.

Choice B reason: Admission vital signs are the initial measurements taken upon the patient’s admission to the healthcare facility. These are baseline values that can be referenced later to note any significant changes. However, for a change-of-shift report, especially 2 days postoperative, the most current vital signs and any changes since surgery are more pertinent than the admission values.

Choice C reason: The time of the last pain medication is crucial information for a change-of-shift report. Pain management is a key aspect of postoperative care, particularly after procedures like total knee arthroscopy. Knowing when the last dose was administered helps the incoming nurse manage the patient’s pain effectively and anticipate when the next dose is due.

Choice D reason: The steps required for dressing change are essential to include in the change-of-shift report. Proper wound care and dressing changes are vital to prevent infection and ensure proper healing after surgery. Detailed instructions on the dressing change process help maintain consistency in care between different caregivers.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased platelets are not typically an indicator of infection. Platelet levels may decrease in conditions like thrombocytopenia, but they are not a specific indicator of infection.

Choice B rationale:

Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator of infection. An elevated ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation in the body, which can be seen in response to infection, among other conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased hemoglobin is not typically an indicator of infection. Hemoglobin levels may decrease in conditions like anemia, but they are not a specific indicator of infection.

Choice D rationale:

Increased iron levels are not typically an indicator of infection. Iron levels can vary for various reasons, but they are not a direct marker of infection.