NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Risk for infectionrelated to:
lowered natural resistance associated with:
malnutrition
chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression
long-term treatment with corticosteroids (may be used in treatment of certain types of cancer)
disruption in normal, endogenous microbial flora resulting from antimicrobial therapy
impaired immune system functioning resulting from certain malignancies (e.g. Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia);
break in mucosal surfaces associated with delayed cellular renewal resulting from effects of cytotoxic agents;
break in integrity of the skin associated with placement of a central venous catheter (e.g. Groshong), implanted infusion device (e.g. Port-a-Cath), or peritoneal catheter (e.g. Tenckhoff);
stasis of secretions in lungs and urinary stasis if mobility is decreased.
Desired Outcome
The client will remain free of infection as evidenced by:
absence of fever and chills
pulse within normal limits
normal breath sounds
usual mental status
cough productive of clear mucus only
voiding clear urine without reports of frequency, urgency, and burning
absence of heat, pain, redness, swelling, and unusual drainage in any area
no reports of increased weakness and fatigue
WBC and differential counts within normal range for client
negative results of cultured specimens.