Final answer:
The nurse should first identify clients at risk to prevent client infections. Following this, implementing strict hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, proper disposal of tissues, and administering antibiotics as ordered are crucial steps in controlling and preventing the spread of infections in hospitalized clients.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventing Client Infections in a Hospital Setting
To prevent client infections in a hospital setting, the first action a nurse should take is to identify clients at risk. By identifying those who are more vulnerable to infections, such as individuals with compromised immune systems, the nurse can implement tailored infection control measures more effectively. Once high-risk patients are identified, multiple strategies should be in place to prevent infections, including but not limited to strict hand hygiene practices, isolation of infected individuals, proper disposal of contaminated materials, and the careful cleaning of surfaces and equipment to prevent the spread of infectious agents. Additionally, the nurse should ensure that medical procedures at risk for contamination are performed within a sterile field and according to proper aseptic technique to prevent infections such as sepsis.
Furthermore, it is important to encourage staff to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they sneeze or cough, and to dispose of the tissue safely in order to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like the flu and COVID-19. Administering antibiotics as ordered is necessary for treating existing infections, but it is not a primary preventative measure. Providing bedside bags for tissue disposal and encouraging staff to avoid coughing near clients are supplementary infection control strategies.