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What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a suspected infection?
Asked on Jan 28, 2026
Answer
In a patient with a suspected infection, the priority nursing intervention is to perform a thorough assessment to identify signs of infection and implement appropriate infection control measures. This includes monitoring vital signs, particularly temperature, and observing for any signs of systemic infection or sepsis.
Example Nursing Steps:
- Step 1 – Conduct a focused assessment, checking for fever, increased heart rate, and other infection indicators.
- Step 2 – Initiate infection control measures such as hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Step 3 – Document findings, notify the healthcare provider, and prepare for potential laboratory tests or cultures.
Additional Comment:
- Always prioritize safety by adhering to standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
- Use the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) technique to communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
- Monitor for unexpected findings such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may indicate sepsis.
- Consider the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) if the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly.
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