N104: Essentials of Nursing Care - Health Safety

N104: Essentials of Nursing Care – Health Safety Study Guide • Psychological factors: Stress can elevate the body’s level of cortisol, which will inhibit the body’s normal inflammatory response and decrease the person’s resistance to infection. Patients with mental health problems may not be able to recognize health issues early and may lack the judgment necessary to protect themselves from situations that might result in infection. • Lifestyle factors: Intravenous (IV) drug users, people with multiple piercings or tattoos, smokers, and individuals with multiple sexual partners have made lifestyle choices that may increase their risk for infection and disease. The homeless may be at increased risk because of nutritional and crowded living conditions. Those individuals with higher levels of education may be more prone to getting preventative and early care to prevent infection. • Growth and development factors: During the lifespan of an individual, there are certain elements that may make the individual more or less likely to develop the infection. o Birth to two years: Prevention of infection begins with preventing infection in the mother. In utero exposure to some infections can result in catastrophic abnormalities in the infant. After birth, anyone touching the child should use good hand washing and general hygiene techniques. Unless otherwise indicated, the immunization schedule should be maintained during this age range. o Early childhood: During this stage, the child is exposed to many sources of infection due to the fact that much time is spent on the floor and everything goes into the child’s mouth. First exposure to other children in a pre-school environment also puts the child at risk. During this stage, the child will begin to learn about hygiene (using the bathroom, washing hands, etc.). o School age and adolescence: Immunizations should be complete and the immune system has begun to mature, so the incidence of infections tends to decrease during this time. However, because of the active nature of children at this age, they may also be more prone to cuts and abrasions. This age group is at higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and mononucleosis as sexual activity begins. o Adult: During the adult years, chronic disease becomes more prevalent, which increases the risk of infection. Any lifestyle choices that were made when younger begin to have a greater effect on the risk of infection for the adult. As the person ages, the immune system begins to slow down and infections that could have been dealt with at a younger age, may become debilitating in the older patient. • Cultural/spiritual factors: Some cultural groups have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases that may affect the immune system. Certain groups may not immunize themselves and their children due to specific religious or spiritual beliefs. The lack of immunization may leave these groups more prone to infection. • Socioeconomic and environmental factors: Lower socioeconomic levels may lead to increased risk of infection related to inability to afford preventative or early health intervention. Overcrowded living conditions put people in close proximity to others who might be infected. Poorer living conditions may invite rats, roaches, and other pests that are sources of infectious agents. increasing the risk of infection.

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