The nurse is reviewing data for a patient with a wound. Which type of precaution would the nurse identify as needed by this patient? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | }
\hline \text { Assessment Data } & \text { Patient Manifestations } \
\hline \text { Temperature } & 100.4 ^ { 0 } \mathrm {~F} \left( 38 ^ { 0 } \mathrm { C } \right) \
\hline \text { Pulse } & 100 \text { per minute } \
\hline \text { Respirations } & 24 \text { per minute } \
\hline \text { WBC } & 14,250 / \mathrm { mm } ^ { 3 } \
\hline \text { Band neutrophils } & 14 \%\
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

The nurse is reviewing data for a patient with a wound. Which type of precaution would the nurse identify as needed by this patient? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | } 
\hline \text { Assessment Data } & \text { Patient Manifestations } \
\hline \text { Temperature } & 100.4 ^ { 0 } \mathrm {~F} \left( 38 ^ { 0 } \mathrm { C } \right) \
\hline \text { Pulse } & 100 \text { per minute } \
\hline \text { Respirations } & 24 \text { per minute } \
\hline \text { WBC } & 14,250 / \mathrm { mm } ^ { 3 } \
\hline \text { Band neutrophils } & 14 \%\
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the patient's manifestations, the increased temperature, elevated pulse and respiratory rate, and high WBC count with band neutrophils suggest an infection. Therefore, the patient would require contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection to others. Droplet and airborne precautions are usually indicated for infections that are spread through respiratory secretions, which are not indicated by the patient's data. Reverse precautions are used to protect immunocompromised patients from infections, which is not indicated in the provided information.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Data for a Patient with a Wound