When considering factors influencing health and the impact of illness, specifically age, the nurse would correctly identify which patient as having the greatest risk?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessment of the patient begins with risk factors that take into account the person's age and the associated level of immune system function. The very young, especially neonates and infants born prematurely, are more susceptible to infections because of the immaturity of their immune systems. Likewise, older adults have decreased immune system function because of the aging process. Older patients are at risk for opportunistic infections resulting from harmless organisms that become pathogenic and illness from the spread of community-acquired disease. Complications from comorbidities of chronic disease may also increase suffering in the aged population.

When Considering Factors Influencing Health and the Impact of Illness