A nurse is reviewing the client's medical record in the presurgical holding area. Which of the following places the client at risk for a surgical site infection?

A. High-protein diet with vitamins and mineral supplements:

This choice indicates a good understanding of preventing pressure ulcers. High-protein diets are beneficial for tissue repair and wound healing. Adequate protein intake supports collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin integrity and healing wounds. Additionally, vitamins and mineral supplements can contribute to overall nutritional status and support tissue health.

B. Low-fat diet with whole grains and cereals and vitamin supplements:

While a low-fat diet and whole grains are generally healthy choices, they may not specifically address the needs of a patient at risk for pressure ulcers. Fat is important for skin health, and whole grains can contribute to overall nutrition, but protein and specific vitamins and minerals are more directly related to tissue repair and wound healing.

C. Vegetarian diet with nutritional supplements and fish oil capsules:

A vegetarian diet can be healthy, but it requires careful planning to ensure adequate protein intake, especially for tissue repair and wound healing. Nutritional supplements may help fill nutrient gaps, but specific attention to protein sources is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers. Fish oil capsules can provide omega-3 fatty acids, which may have some benefits for skin health.

D. Low cholesterol, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet:

This diet choice focuses more on cardiovascular health and weight management rather than addressing the needs of a patient at risk for pressure ulcers. While a balanced diet with adequate fiber can support overall health, protein intake and specific vitamins and minerals are more critical for skin integrity and wound healing.

A. Arrange for the patient to receive gamma globulin.

Gamma globulin is a blood product that contains antibodies and is sometimes used for post-exposure prophylaxis in certain situations, such as for individuals who are immunocompromised or pregnant and have been exposed to varicella (chickenpox) or measles. However, for a frail, older adult who had chickenpox as a child and has been exposed to varicella again, arranging for gamma globulin may not be necessary if the patient is already immune to chickenpox.

B. Assess frequently for herpes zoster.

Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. While exposure to varicella can increase the risk of developing shingles in individuals who are susceptible, frequent assessment for herpes zoster is not necessary in this case if the patient is known to have had chickenpox in the past.

C. Be aware of the patient's immunity to chickenpox.

This option is the correct choice. Since the patient had chickenpox as a child, they likely have immunity to chickenpox. Being aware of this immunity helps the nurse understand that the patient may not develop chickenpox again even after exposure to varicella.

D. Encourage the patient to have a pneumonia vaccine.

Encouraging the patient to have a pneumonia vaccine is unrelated to the immediate concern of exposure to varicella. While pneumonia vaccines are important for older adults, especially those who are frail, the priority in this scenario is to determine the patient's immunity to chickenpox due to prior infection.