The nurse is taking a health history for a patient who is ill in the emergency room. The patient states that he has not been around anyone that has been sick lately. The nurse suspects the patient likely contracted the illness by indirect transmission. Which is an example of this type of transmission?

A. A 49-year-old who works in food services: While individuals working in food services may be at risk of exposure to influenza, they are not in the highest priority group. Age and underlying health conditions are typically prioritized over occupational risk factors.

B. An 88-year-old who lives in an apartment for senior citizens: Older adults, especially those living in congregate settings like senior citizen apartments, are at higher risk of complications from influenza. Therefore, the 88-year-old should have the highest priority to receive the vaccine.

C. A 26-year-old with three young children: While having young children may increase the risk of exposure to influenza, younger adults without underlying health conditions are generally at lower risk of severe complications compared to older adults.

D. A 15-year-old who plays ice hockey: While participation in activities like ice hockey may increase the risk of exposure to respiratory infections, age and health status are more significant factors in determining priority for influenza vaccination.

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.