Which intervention would the nurse include in a plan of care that addresses the risk for infection in a patient who is immobile and immunosuppressed because of hypercortisolism?

Which intervention would the nurse include in a plan of care that addresses the risk for infection in a patient who is immobile and immunosuppressed because of hypercortisolism?

• A. Recording the body temperature every 4 hours
• B. Encouraging strenuous workouts daily
• C. Limiting fluid intake
• D. Posting a no-visitor policy at all times

Answer: (A)

Infection risk in an immobile patient with hypercortisolism is best addressed by early detection through regular vital-sign monitoring, especially temperature checks. Chronic high cortisol dampens immune responses, making infections more likely, and immobility itself raises risks such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin breakdown. Checking the body temperature every 4 hours provides timely information to identify fever early, prompting prompt assessment and treatment before infections worsen. The other options don’t directly support infection surveillance or prevention: strenuous workouts would stress the body and potentially worsen immunosuppression; limiting fluids is not a preventive measure for infection and can lead to dehydration; and a no-visitor policy is overly restrictive and not a standard, balanced infection-control strategy.

Infection risk in an immobile patient with hypercortisolism is best addressed by early detection through regular vital-sign monitoring, especially temperature checks. Chronic high cortisol dampens immune responses, making infections more likely, and immobility itself raises risks such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin breakdown. Checking the body temperature every 4 hours provides timely information to identify fever early, prompting prompt assessment and treatment before infections worsen. The other options don’t directly support infection surveillance or prevention: strenuous workouts would stress the body and potentially worsen immunosuppression; limiting fluids is not a preventive measure for infection and can lead to dehydration; and a no-visitor policy is overly restrictive and not a standard, balanced infection-control strategy.