The nurse is providing care for an older adult client with a history of diabetes mellitus. The client presents with chills, fever, and malaise. The nurse notes localized tenderness, erythema, edema, and pain with movement of the lower right extremity. Which additional assessment information is most likely to support the presence of an infection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A knee replacement surgery can introduce bacteria into the body, increasing the risk for infection, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems such as those with diabetes mellitus. The symptoms presented are consistent with an infection, and a recent surgery could be a direct cause of these symptoms.

The Nurse Is Providing Care for an Older Adult Client