Question

A client with purulent drainage from an abdominal surgical incision is admitted with a possible vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection. Which nursing interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 1

Nursing interventions for a client with a possible VRE infection include strict hand hygiene, contact precautions, wound care protocols, monitoring for signs of infection, and administering appropriate antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with a possible vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection and purulent drainage from an abdominal surgical incision, the nurse should include the following interventions in the plan of care:

1. Strict hand hygiene: Washing hands thoroughly and using hand sanitizer before and after any contact with the client or their environment is crucial to prevent the spread of VRE.
2. Use of contact precautions: Wearing gloves and a gown when providing care and appropriately disposing of contaminated materials can further reduce the risk of transmission.
3. Implementation of wound care protocols: Following specific guidelines for wound dressing changes, cleansing the wound with appropriate solutions, and keeping the incision site clean and dry can help prevent further infection.
4. Monitoring for signs of infection: Regularly assessing the client for increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage at the surgical site, as well as fever or other systemic symptoms, will help identify any worsening of the infection.
5. Administering appropriate antibiotics: Collaborating with the healthcare provider to ensure that the client receives the appropriate antibiotics according to the susceptibility of the identified pathogen is crucial in treating VRE infections.