Risk for Infection | Nursing Care Plan for Bariatric Surgery

Risk factors may include
Inadequate primary defenses—broken or traumatized tissues, decreased ciliary action, stasis of body fluids
Invasive procedures

Possibly evidenced by
(Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis)

Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria—Client Will
Immobility Consequences: Physiological
Be free of nosocomial infection.
Wound Healing: Primary Intention
Achieve timely wound healing free of signs of local or generalized infectious process.

Nursing intervention with rationale:
1. Emphasize and model proper hand-washing technique.
Rationale: Prevents spread of bacteria and cross-contamination.

2. Maintain aseptic technique in dressing changes and invasive procedures.
Rationale: Reduces risk of nosocomial infection.

3. Inspect surgical incisions and invasive line sites for erythema and purulent drainage.
Rationale: Early detection of developing infection provides for prevention of more serious complications.

4. Encourage frequent position changes, deep breathing, coughing, and use of respiratory adjuncts, such as incentive spirometer.
Rationale: Promotes mobilization of secretions, reducing risk of pneumonia.

5. Provide routine catheter care; encourage good perineal care. Remove catheter as early as possible.
Rationale: Prevents ascending bladder infections.

6. Encourage client to drink acid-ash juices, such as cranberry.
Rationale: Maintains urine acidity and prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall to retard bacterial growth.

7. Observe for reports of abdominal pain, especially after third postoperative day, elevated temperature, and increased white blood cell (WBC) count.
Rationale: Suggests possibility of developing peritonitis.

8. Apply topical antimicrobials or antibiotics, as indicated.
Rationale: Reduces bacterial or fungal colonization on skin; prevents infection in the wound.

9. Administer IV antibiotics, as indicated.
Rationale: A prophylactic antibiotic regimen is usually standard in these clients to reduce risk of perioperative contamination and peritonitis.

10. Obtain specimen of purulent drainage or sputum for culture and sensitivity.
Rationale: Identifies infectious agent; aids in choice of appropriate therapy.