Final answer:
An 80-year-old woman is at the greatest risk for infection due to a weaker immune system associated with aging, the prevalence of chronic conditions, and an increased likelihood of exposure to healthcare settings that can lead to infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The client at greatest risk for infection in the given choices is A) an 80-year-old woman. Elderly individuals like the 80-year-old woman in the scenario generally have a weaker immune system compared to younger, healthier individuals. This makes them more susceptible to infections. In terms of specific risks, elderly individuals such as the 80-year-old woman may be more prone to conditions like cystitis, particularly if they have comorbidities or are living in settings like nursing homes where infections can be more prevalent.
Moreover, the presence of chronic conditions, the use of antibiotics, and invasive procedures, as mentioned in the 'Case in Point' segments, underline the increased risk in elderly patients. For example, broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora, leading to opportunistic infections. These factors highlight why the elderly might be at a greater risk for infection.