1.2.3 Infection Control Case Study 2

This case study is adapted from a real situation. All names are aliases, and any identifiers are removed for privacy.

Case Study

Kiona is a 54-year-old woman, who has arrived in the hospital for a pre-arranged abdominal surgery. She has no underlying medical issues other than the problem that brought her in for surgery. Kiona has the surgery and is ready to go home two days after surgery. The nurse notices Kiona is stating she has pain at the incision site and her vital signs indicate an elevated temperature. The nurse notices the symptoms of redness, warmth, drainage and swelling at the incision site. The nurse sends the drainage specimen to the lab.

Your Tasks

1. After the nurse notifies the doctor of the symptoms, what precautions do you expect may be needed? Why?
2. If you believe there should be precautions, should there be signs posted?
3. In your role assisting the client, assisting with meals, walking to and from the bathroom, transporting to tests and changing linens, will any necessary precautions affect your practice? How? What will you need to do to protect the clients and yourself?
4. Will there be precautions for visitors, and what will they be?

Write down your answers. You will then revisit these responses at the end of this chapter. If you think of additional answers as you progress through this chapter, please add them to your notes.