NCLEX-PN

By implementing these principles and precautions, healthcare facilities can effectively reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and create a safer environment for both clients and healthcare providers. Proper training, education, and consistent adherence to these infection control measures are crucial in maintaining a high standard of client care and safety. C. Nursing Assessment The role of the LPN in the health assessment includes performing a focused assessment of the clients including the vital signs, heart rate, breath sounds, etc. and reporting any abnormal findings to the RN or other licensed clinical provider for a more comprehensive assessment to be done. This information assists the RN in analyzing the client's health information using evidence-informed tools to learn more about a client’s overall health, symptoms, and concerns. This includes considering the client’s biological, social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual values and beliefs. Here's a breakdown of each step: Nursing History ●​ The nurse will interview the client to obtain relevant information about their health status, medical history, and current symptoms. This includes asking about any recent illnesses, surgeries, or medical treatments that may impact the client's immune system. ●​ The nurse will also assess the client's risk factors for developing infections, such as age, underlying health conditions, and exposure to infectious agents. ●​ Specific questions will be asked to identify any complaints or symptoms that suggest the presence of an infection, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, fatigue, skin changes, pain, or changes in urinary or bowel habits. Physical Exam ●​ During the physical examination, the nurse will carefully observe the client's overall appearance and look for signs of infection, such as pallor, rash, redness, swelling, or warmth in specific areas of the body. ●​ The nurse will pay particular attention to any specific symptoms mentioned during the nursing history, such as evaluating the respiratory system for signs of upper respiratory infections (sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion) or assessing the genitourinary system for symptoms of a urinary tract infection (urinary frequency, urgency, pain). ●​ Vital signs , including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, will be monitored as they can indicate the presence of an infection. Laboratory Data ●​ The nurse will review the client's laboratory results to identify any abnormalities that may indicate the presence of an infection. These may include an elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the presence of specific pathogens in culture tests.

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