The nurse is caring for a client with a wound on their leg. During the nurse's assessment, the client explains that he is not feeling well. The nurse knows that a systemic response to a wound infection would be?

A. Signs of infection: Older adults may have compromised immune systems and are more susceptible to infections. During dressing changes, the nurse should assess for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or foul odor, which could indicate an infection at the wound site.

B. Skin color changes: While changes in skin color can be indicative of various skin conditions or circulation problems, assessing for signs of infection is more pertinent during dressing changes to prevent and manage complications.
C. Decreased pain levels: Older adults may have altered pain perception due to age-related changes or comorbidities. However, assessing for signs of infection takes priority during dressing changes to ensure timely intervention if infection is present.

D. Changes in blood pressure: Changes in blood pressure may be relevant in certain clinical contexts but are not specifically related to performing dressing changes in older clients.

A. Normal white blood cell count: In wound sepsis, the white blood cell count is typically elevated as part of the body's immune response to infection, not normal.
B. Fever and chills: Fever (hyperthermia) and chills are common signs of systemic infection, including wound sepsis. They indicate an inflammatory response and activation of the body's defense mechanisms.
C. Decreased pain at the wound site: Increased pain at the wound site is more commonly associated with wound infection, not decreased pain.
D. Redness and swelling: Redness (erythema) and swelling (edema) are local signs of inflammation and can be present in infected wounds, but they are not specific to wound sepsis and may occur in non-infected wounds as well.