9.7: Applying the Nursing Process

Now that we have discussed the pathophysiology of our immune system and interventions to treat and prevent infection, let’s apply this information to using the nursing process when providing patient care.

Assessment

When assessing an individual who is feeling ill but has not yet been diagnosed with an infection, general symptoms associated with the prodromal period of disease may be present due to the activation of the immune system. These symptoms include a feeling of malaise (not feeling well), headache, fever, and lack of appetite. As an infection moves into the acute phase of disease, more specific symptoms and signs related to the specific type of infection will occur.

A fever is a common sign of inflammation and infection. A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees F) is generally considered a low-grade fever, and a temperature of 38.3 degrees Celsius (101 degrees F) is considered a fever.^[1] As discussed earlier in this chapter, fever is part of the nonspecific innate immune response and can be beneficial in destroying pathogens. However, extremely elevated temperatures can cause cell and organ damage, and prolonged fever can cause dehydration.

Infection raises the metabolic rate, causing an increased heart rate. The respiratory rate may also increase as the body rids itself of carbon dioxide created during increased metabolism. However, be aware that an elevated heart rate above 90 and a respiratory rate above 20 are also criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients with an existing infection.

As an infection develops, the lymph nodes that drain that area often become enlarged and tender. The swelling indicates that the lymphocytes and macrophages in the lymph node are fighting the infection. If a skin infection is developing, general signs of inflammation, such as redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness, will occur at the site. As white blood cells migrate to the site, purulent drainage may occur.

Some viruses, bacteria, and toxins cause gastrointestinal inflammation, resulting in loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

See Table 9.7a for a comparison of expected findings on physical assessment versus unexpected findings indicating a new infectious process that requires notification of the health care provider.

Table 9.7a Expected Versus Unexpected Findings on Assessment Related to Infection

Assessment	Expected Findings	Unexpected Findings to Report to Health Care Provider
Vital Signs	Within normal range	New temperature over 100.4 F or 38 C.
Neurological	Within baseline level of consciousness	New confusion and/or worsening level of consciousness.
Wound or Incision	Progressive healing of a wound with no signs of infection	New redness, warmth, tenderness, or purulent drainage from a wound.
Respiratory	No cough or production of sputum	New cough and/or productive cough of purulent sputum. Adventitious breath sounds (crackles, rhonchi, wheezing). New dyspnea.
Genitourinary	Urine clear, light yellow without odor	Malodorous, cloudy, bloody urine, with increased frequency, urgency, or pain with urination.
Gastrointestinal	Good appetite and food intake; feces formed and brown	Loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea; discolored or unusually malodorous feces.
		*CRITICAL CONDITIONS requiring immediate notification of the provider and/or implementation of a sepsis protocol: Two or more of the following criteria in a patient with an existing infection indicate SIRS: Body temperature over 38 or under 36 degrees Celsius Heart rate greater than 90 beats/minute Respiratory rate greater than 20

Life Span Considerations

Infants do not have well-developed immune systems, placing this group at higher risk of infection. Breastfeeding helps protect infants from some infectious diseases by providing passive immunity until their immune system matures. New mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their newborns.^[2]

On the other end of the continuum, the immune system gradually decreases in effectiveness with age, making older adults also more vulnerable to infection. Early detection of infection can be challenging in older adults because they may not have a fever or increased white blood cell count (WBC), but instead develop subtle changes like new mental status changes.^[3] The most common infections in older adults are urinary tract infections (UTI), bacterial pneumonia, influenza, and skin infections.

Diagnostic Tests

Several types of diagnostic tests may be ordered by a health care provider when a patient is suspected of having an infection, such as complete blood count with differential, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), serum lactate levels, and blood cultures (if sepsis is suspected). Other cultures may be obtained based on the site of the suspected infection.

CBC With Differential

When an infection is suspected, a complete blood count with differential is usually obtained.

A complete blood count (CBC) includes the red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values. A differential provides additional information, including the relative percentages of each type of white blood cell. See Figure 9.22^[4] for an illustration of a complete blood count with differential.

Figure 9.22 Components of a Complete Blood Count with Differential

When there is an infection or an inflammatory process somewhere in the body, the bone marrow produces more WBCs (also called leukocytes), releasing them into the blood where they move to the site of infection or inflammation. An increase in white blood cells is known as leukocytosis and is a sign of the inflammatory response. The normal range of WBC varies slightly from lab to lab but is generally 4,500-11,000 for adults, reported as 4.5-11.0 x 10⁹ per liter (L).^[5]

There are five types of white blood cells, each with different functions. The differential blood count gives the relative percentage of each type of white blood cell and also reveals abnormal white blood cells. The five types of white blood cells are as follows:

• Neutrophils
• Eosinophils
• Basophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes

Neutrophils make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi.^[6] An elevated neutrophil count is called neutrophilia, and decreased neutrophil count is called neutropenia.^[7]

Eosinophils respond to infections caused by parasites, play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities), and control the extent of immune responses and inflammation. Elevated levels of eosinophils are referred to as eosinophilia.^[8]

Basophils make up the fewest number of circulating WBCs and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.^[9]

Lymphocytes include three types of cells, although the differential count does not distinguish among them:

• B lymphocytes (B cells) produce antibodies that target and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other “non-self” foreign antigens.
• T lymphocytes (T cells) mature in the thymus and consist of a few different types. Some T cells help the body distinguish between “self” and “non-self” antigens; some initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves; and other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells.
• Natural killer cells (NK cells) directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.^[10]

Monocytes, similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.^[11]

Care must be taken when interpreting the results of a differential. A health care provider will consider an individual’s signs and symptoms and medical history, as well as the degree to which each type of cell is increased or decreased. A number of factors can cause a transient rise or drop in the number of any type of cell. For example, bacterial infections usually produce an increase in neutrophils, but a severe infection, like sepsis, can use up the available neutrophils, causing a low number to be found in the blood. Eosinophils are often elevated in parasitic and allergic responses. Acute viral infections often cause an increased level of lymphocytes (referred to as lymphocytosis).^[12]

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a test that indirectly measures inflammation. This test measures how quickly erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) settle at the bottom of a test tube that contains a blood sample. When a sample of blood is placed in a tube, the red blood cells normally settle out relatively slowly, leaving a small amount of clear plasma. The red cells settle at a faster rate when there is an increased level of proteins, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), that increases in the blood in response to inflammation. The ESR test is not diagnostic; it is a nonspecific test indicating the presence or absence of an inflammatory condition.^[13]

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in the blood increase when there is a condition causing inflammation somewhere in the body. CRP is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation and one of the most sensitive acute phase reactants, meaning it is released into the blood within a few hours after the start of an infection or other cause of inflammation. The level of CRP can jump as much as a thousand-fold in response to a severe bacterial infection, and its rise in the blood can precede symptoms of fever or pain.^[14]

Lactate

Serum lactate levels are measured when sepsis is suspected in a patient with an existing infection. Sepsis can quickly lead to septic shock and death due to multi-organ failure so early recognition is crucial.

Lactate is one of the substances produced by cells as the body turns food into energy (i.e., cellular metabolism), with the highest level of production occurring in the muscles. Normally, the level of lactate in blood is low. Lactate is produced in excess by muscle cells and other tissues when there is insufficient oxygen at the cellular level.

Lactic acid can accumulate in the body and blood when it is produced faster than the liver can break it down, which can lead to lactic acidosis. Excess lactate may be produced due to several medical conditions that cause decreased transport of oxygen to the tissues, such as sepsis, hypovolemic shock, heart attack, heart failure, or respiratory distress.^[15]

Blood Culture

Blood cultures are ordered when sepsis is suspected. In many facilities, lab personnel draw the blood samples for blood cultures to avoid contamination of the sample. With some infections, pathogens are only found in the blood intermittently, so a series of three or more blood cultures, as well as blood draws from different veins, may be performed to increase the chance of finding the infection.

Blood cultures are incubated for several days before being reported as negative. Some types of bacteria and fungi grow more slowly than others and/or may take longer to detect if initially present in low numbers.

A positive result indicates bacteria have been found in the blood (bacteremia). Other types of pathogens, such as a fungus or a virus, may also be found in a blood culture. When a blood culture is positive, the specific microbe causing the infection is identified and susceptibility testing is performed to inform the health care provider which antibiotics or other medications are most likely to be effective for treatment.

It is important for nurses to remember that when new orders for both antibiotics and a blood culture are received, antibiotics should not be administered until after the blood culture is drawn. Administering antibiotics before the blood culture is drawn will impact the results and adversely affect the treatment plan.

Cultures and Other Diagnostic Tests

Several types of swabs and cultures may be ordered based on the site of a suspected infection, such as a nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, sputum culture, urine culture, and wound culture. If a lower respiratory tract infection is suspected, a chest X-ray may be ordered.

Note

Read additional information about the following topics in Open RN Nursing Skills:

• Specimen Collection
• Collecting urine cultures in “Facilitation of Elimination”
• Collecting wound cultures in “Wound Care”

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

When antibiotics are prescribed to treat an infection, some types of antibiotics require blood tests to ensure the dosage of the medication reaches and stays within therapeutic ranges in the blood. These tests are often referred to as peak and/or trough levels. The nurse must be aware of these orders because they impact the timing of administration of antibiotics.

Note

Read about therapeutic drug monitoring in the “Medication Safety” section of the “Kinetics and Dynamics” chapter in Open RN Nursing Pharmacology.

Diagnoses

There are many NANDA-I nursing diagnoses applicable to infection. Nursing diagnoses associated with actual infections are customized based on the signs and symptoms of the specific infection (e.g., a patient with pneumonia may have an actual nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Airway Clearance). Review a nursing care planning source for a list of current NANDA-I approved nursing diagnoses based on the type of infection occurring.^[16]

Two common risk diagnoses are Risk for Infection for patients at risk for developing an infection and Risk for Shock for patients with an existing infection who are at risk for developing sepsis and septic shock. See Table 9.7b for the risk diagnoses of Risk for Infection and Risk for Shock.

Table 9.7b NANDA-I Diagnoses Associated with Infection

NANDA-I Diagnosis	Definition	Other
Risk for Infection	Susceptible to invasion and multiplication of pathogenic organisms, which may compromise health	Risk Factors Alteration in skin integrity Inadequate vaccination Malnutrition Obesity Alteration in peristalsis Smoking Stasis of body fluid
Risk of Shock	Susceptible to inadequate blood flow to the body’s tissues that may lead to life-threatening cellular dysfunction, which may compromise health	Associated Conditions Infection Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) Sepsis

Examples

For example, a nurse caring for a patient with an open wound assesses the wound regularly because patients with nonintact skin are always at increased risk for developing infection. A sample PES statement would be the following: “Risk for Infection as evidenced by alteration in skin integrity and insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure to pathogens.” The nurse plans to provide patient education regarding care of the wound to prevent bacterial contamination during dressing changes.

Whenever caring for a patient with an existing infection, nurses know it is important to closely monitor for signs of developing SIRS and sepsis. A sample PES statement for a patient with an existing infection is as follows: “Risk for Shock as evidenced by the associated condition of infection.”

Note: Recall that in NANDA-I risk diagnoses, there are no etiological factors because a vulnerability reflects the potential for developing a problem. Read more about creating PES statements for risk diagnoses in the “Nursing Process” chapter.

Outcomes

An example of a broad goal for all patients is the following: “The patient will remain free from infection during their health care stay.”^[17]

An example of a SMART expected outcome to prevent infection is: “The patient will demonstrate how to perform dressing changes using aseptic technique prior to discharge from the hospital.”^[18]

Read more about creating SMART outcomes in the “Nursing Process” chapter.

Planning Interventions

When planning interventions for a patient who is at risk for developing an infection, the nurse selects interventions such as those listed in the following box for “Infection Protection.”

Interventions for Infection Prevention^[19],[20]

• Monitor vital signs for signs of infection
• Monitor for early signs of localized and systemic infection for patients at risk
• Screen all visitors for communicable disease
• Encourage respiratory hygiene for patients, visitors, and staff members
• Maintain aseptic technique during nursing procedures
• Use sterile technique for invasive procedures or care of open wounds
• Use standard precautions with all patients to prevent the spread of infection
• Initiate transmission-based precautions for patients suspected of communicable infection, as appropriate
• Promote sufficient nutritional intake
• Encourage fluid intake, as appropriate
• Encourage rest
• Encourage frequent ambulation or turn immobilized patients frequently
• Ensure appropriate hygienic care, including proper hand hygiene, daily bathing, oral care, and perineal care performed by either the nurse or the patient, as appropriate
• Moisturize dry skin to keep it intact
• Use strategies to prevent healthcare-acquired respiratory infection, such as incentive spirometry, coughing and deep breathing, positional changes, and early ambulation as appropriate
• Use strategies to prevent wound infection such as changing saturated dressings to reduce the potential reservoir of bacteria
• Teach the patient and family members the importance of a nutritious diet, exercise, and adequate rest to promote healing and health at home
• Teach the patient and family about signs and symptoms of infection and when to report them to the health care provider
• Encourage the annual influenza vaccine and keeping other recommended vaccinations up-to-date
• If a patient smokes, encourage smoking cessation because smoking damages the mucociliary escalator and places the patient at increased risk for infection
• Report signs and symptoms of suspected infection or sepsis to the health care provider
• Suspect an infection if an older adult patient has new signs of lethargy or confusion

If a patient has an infection with a fever, the nursing diagnosis Hyperthermia may be applicable. See the following box for interventions for patients with fever/hyperthermia.

Interventions for Hyperthermia

• Assess for associated symptoms such as diaphoresis, shaking chills (rigors)
• Monitor level of consciousness
• Adjust room temperature to the patient’s comfort without inducing chilling
• Administer antipyretics, as appropriate (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Apply external cooling methods as needed (cold packs or cool sponge bath)
• Encourage fluid intake
• Monitor for signs of dehydration

Implementing Interventions

When caring for a patient with an active infection, transmission-based precautions may be required based on the specific type of pathogen. Antibiotics and/or other antimicrobials are administered as prescribed, and the patient and family are instructed how to take prescribed antibiotics with measures to prevent antibiotic resistance (i.e., complete prescribed length of therapy even if they feel better in a few days).

If cultures have been obtained, it is important to monitor and report new results to the provider to ensure the prescribed antibiotic therapy is appropriate based on susceptibility results.

It is important to continually monitor patients with an existing infection for signs of SIRS/sepsis:

• Carefully monitor vital signs. Immediately notify the provider for two or more of the following indicators that suggest SIRS: heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute, temperature greater than 38 degrees C or less than 36 degrees C, systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, respiratory rate greater than 20, or a white blood cell count greater than 12,000 or less than 4,000.^[21] Anticipate new orders for a lactate level and blood cultures for early diagnosis of sepsis.
• Monitor for signs of new decreased mental status, especially in older adults, that can indicate decreased oxygenation or tissue perfusion associated with sepsis and septic shock.
• For patients presenting with early signs of shock, administer oxygen immediately to maintain oxygen saturation greater than 90%. Administer prescribed antibiotics within an hour after diagnosis for improved survival. Be aware that IV fluids and vasopressor medications may be required to treat shock.^[22]

Note

Read about different classes of antimicrobial agents in the “Antimicrobials” chapter in Open RN Nursing Pharmacology.

Evaluation

It is always important to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions used to prevent and treat infection. Evaluation helps the nurse determine whether the established outcomes have been met and if the planned interventions are still appropriate for the patient at the time of implementation. If outcomes are not met, interventions may need to be added or revised to help the patient meet their goals.

---

1. Abad, C., Fearday, A., & Safdar, N. (2010). Adverse effects of isolation in hospitalised patients: A systematic review. The Journal of Hospital Infection, 76(2), 97-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2010.04.027↵
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, May 28). Breastfeeding, Frequently asked questions (FAQs).https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm↵
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, May 28). Breastfeeding, Frequently asked questions (FAQs).https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm↵
4. “Blausen_0425_Formed_Elements.png” by BruceBlaus.com staff is licensed under CC BY 3.0↵
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, January 19). Candida auris. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/index.html↵
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, January 19). Candida auris. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/candida-auris/index.html↵
7. LabTestsOnline.org. (2021, January 27). White blood cell count (WBC). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/white-blood-cell-count-wbc↵
8. LabTestsOnline.org. (2021, January 27). White blood cell count (WBC). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/white-blood-cell-count-wbc↵
9. LabTestsOnline.org. (2021, January 27). White blood cell count (WBC). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/white-blood-cell-count-wbc↵
10. LabTestsOnline.org. (2021, January 27). White blood cell count (WBC). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/white-blood-cell-count-wbc↵
11. LabTestsOnline.org. (2021, January 27). White blood cell count (WBC). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/white-blood-cell-count-wbc↵
12. LabTestsOnline.org. (2021, January 27). White blood cell count (WBC). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/white-blood-cell-count-wbc↵
13. LabTestsOnline.org. (2020, July 29). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate-esr↵
14. LabTestsOnline.org. (2020, August 12). C-Reactive protein (CRP). https://labtestsonline.org/tests/c-reactive-protein-crp↵
15. LabTestsOnline.org. (2020, August 12). Lactate.https://labtestsonline.org/tests/lactate↵
16. Herdman, T., & Kamitsuru, S. (2017). NANDA international nursing diagnoses: Definitions & classification 2018-2020 (11th ed.). Thieme Publishers. pp. 382, 405. ↵
17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, January 26). Standard precautions for all patient care. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/standard-precautions.html↵
18. Johnson, M., Moorhead, S., Bulechek, G., Butcher, H., Maas, M., & Swanson, E. (2012). NOC and NIC linkages to NANDA-I and clinical conditions: Supporting critical reasoning and quality care. Elsevier. p. 268. ↵
19. Butcher, H., Bulechek, G., Dochterman, J., & Wagner, C. (2018). Nursing interventions classification (NIC). Elsevier. pp. 214, 226-227, 346. ↵
20. Wilson, J., Bak, A., & Loveday, H. P. Applying human factors and ergonomics to the misuse of nonsterile clinical gloves in acute care. American Journal of Infection Control, 45(7), 779-786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2017.02.019. ↵
21. Herdman, T., & Kamitsuru, S. (2017). NANDA international nursing diagnoses:Definitions & classification 2018-2020 (11th ed.). Thieme Publishers. pp. 382, 405. ↵
22. This work is a derivative of StatPearls by Chakraborty & Burns and is licensed under CC BY 4.0↵