Question

Which client should the nurse determine to be at the greatest risk for hospital acquired infection (HAI)?

A.) Client with an IV catheter
B.) Client with a urinary catheter
C.) Client with a surgical wound
D.) Client with a diabetic foot ulcer

Answer 1

The greatest risk for a hospital acquired infection is the client with an IV catheter, since these often lead to bloodstream infections like those caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common nosocomial pathogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who should be deemed at the greatest risk for a hospital acquired infection (HAI) is the client with an IV catheter. Venous catheters are not only essential for patients needing long-term medication or fluids but also serve as prevalent sources of bloodstream infections. They can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is frequently associated with nosocomial infections related to medical devices. The World Health Organization reports up to 80,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 20,000 deaths. These infections can be challenging to treat, as evidenced by cases where initial intravenous antibiotic treatment might not be sufficient, prompting the switch to oral antibiotics for complete recovery.