What is the nursing priority when dealing with a patient at risk for infection?

The priority nursing action when dealing with a patient at risk for infection is to implement universal precautions. Universal precautions are a set of guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of infections. They encompass practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of needles and sharps, and proper disinfection of surfaces and equipment.

By following universal precautions, healthcare providers minimize the risk of spreading infections between patients and staff. This approach is essential because it addresses the primary concern of protecting both the patient who is at risk and the broader community within the healthcare setting. Proper implementation of these precautions significantly reduces the chance of healthcare-associated infections, which can have serious implications for patient outcomes.

Focusing on comfort measures alone would not directly address the infection risk, and avoiding patient education could lead to a lack of understanding about necessary precautions that the patient can take. Additionally, only documenting minor changes without a comprehensive assessment and action plan would not provide adequate care to a patient at risk of infection. Implementing universal precautions, on the other hand, safeguards health and is a fundamental component of providing effective nursing care in this scenario.