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Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Unit 4 Lesson 6

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Describe the signs and symptoms of infection
List the expected and unexpected assessment findings
Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in identifying and reporting assessment findings

Student Learning Outcomes

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General Signs and Symptoms

Malaise

General feeling of discomfort or unease
Common early sign of infection

Headache

Frequent indicator of systemic infection

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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General Signs and Symptoms

Fever

Low-grade: 38°C (100.4°F)
Significant: 38.3°C (101°F) or higher
Fever is a defense mechanism against pathogens
Risks

High fever may lead to dehydration and organ damage

Appetite Changes

Often reduced, indicating potential infection

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Physiological Responses to Infection

Increased Metabolic Rate

Heart Rate

Often elevated
Report if outside expected range

Respiratory Rate

May be higher
Watch for abnormal patterns

Lymph Nodes

Swelling and tenderness suggest local infection
Enlarged nodes indicate immune response

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Skin and Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Skin Infections

Inflammation Signs

Redness
Warmth
Swelling
Tenderness

Purulent Drainage

Presence of yellow or green discharge

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Skin and Gastrointestinal Symptoms continued…

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Signs

Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Reasons

Caused by pathogens affecting the gastrointestinal tract

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

The nurse’s aide is assisting a client who has recently developed a low-grade fever and complains of feeling generally unwell. Upon further observation, the nurse’s aide notices some redness and warmth around a small cut on the client’s hand. What should be the next step?

A) Apply a cold compress to the area and leave the client to rest.

B) Report observations to the nurse immediately.

C) Suggest the client avoid using their hand until the redness goes away.

D) Provide the client with over-the-counter pain medication.

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Expected vs. Unexpected Findings: Vital Signs

Expected

Within normal range

Unexpected

Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or below normal

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Expected vs. Unexpected Findings: Neurological

Expected

Stable level of consciousness

Unexpected

New confusion or decreased consciousness

Indication of infection

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client has a new onset of confusion and a low-grade fever. What should the nurse’s aide do first?

A) Record the observations in the client’s chart.

B) Report these symptoms to the nurse immediately.

C) Assist the client in ambulation to help with circulation.

D) Offer fluids to help reduce the fever.

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Unexpected Findings: Wound

Wound or Incision

Expected

Healing without signs of infection

Unexpected

Redness
Warmth
Tenderness
Purulent drainage

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Unexpected Findings: Respiratory

Expected

No cough or normal sputum production

Unexpected

New or productive cough
Shortness of breath

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Unexpected Findings: Genitourinary

Expected

Clear, light yellow urine, no odor

Unexpected

Cloudy, bloody, or malodorous urine
Pain during urination

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Unexpected Findings: Gastrointestinal

Expected

Good appetite
Normal brown feces

Unexpected

Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Discolored feces
Unusual odors

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Conditions and Sepsis

Sepsis Indicators

Temperature

Over 38°C or under 36°C

Heart Rate

Greater than 90 beats/minute

Respiratory Rate

Greater than 20 breaths/minute

Actions

Immediate notification to nurse is critical

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

The nurse’s aide noted an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate of a client. They have been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Which action should the nurse’s aide take?

A) Encourage them to drink more fluids and reassess in an hour.

B) Monitor their vital signs closely and document the findings.

C) Immediately inform the nurse about the changes in vital signs.

D) Provide reassurance to the client and continue with duties.

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Considerations for Older Adults

Decreased Immune Function

Increases vulnerability to infection

Detection Challenges

Lack of typical fever in older adults
Look for subtle signs

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Considerations for Older Adults

Common Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Pneumonia
Influenza
Skin infections

Subtle Signs

New confusion
Weakness
Increased fall risk

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

An elderly client in the nurse’s aide’s care is suddenly less responsive and has not developed a fever. What is the most appropriate action?

A) Continue monitoring their condition and wait for a fever to confirm infection.

B) Report the change in responsiveness to the nurse immediately.

C) Encourage the client to rest more and reassess later.

D) Suggest the client increase their fluid intake to improve alertness.

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Role of the Nurse's Aide

Observation

Constant vigilance for infection signs

Reporting

Timely communication with nurses regarding any unexpected findings

Documentation

Precise recording of all observations and client conditions

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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