The nursing diagnosis Risk for Infection is one of the most frequently used diagnoses in clinical settings, especially in hospitals, long-term care centers, and home care environments. Infection remains a major global concern due to increasing antibiotic resistance, prolonged hospitalization, invasive procedures, and the presence of chronic illnesses that weaken the immune system. Nurses play a vital role in identifying, preventing, and managing infection risks to ensure patient safety.
What Is “Risk for Infection”?
Risk for Infection is a NANDA-I approved nursing diagnosis defined as:
"At increased risk for being invaded by pathogenic organisms."
This diagnosis focuses on identifying individuals or populations who may develop infections due to weakened immune defense mechanisms, environmental exposure, and other contributing conditions. Unlike an actual infection diagnosis, this label is preventive in nature. The primary purpose is early recognition and intervention to stop an infection before it occurs.
Pathophysiology and Background
The human body has two major defense mechanisms:
- Primary defenses (skin, mucous membranes, tears, normal flora)
- Secondary defenses (immune response, inflammation, white blood cells)
When these defenses are compromised, pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites can invade tissues and cause infection. Conditions like trauma, malnutrition, chronic disease, or the use of immunosuppressive drugs weaken these natural defenses, making individuals more susceptible.
Related Factors
The nursing diagnosis “Risk for Infection” does not indicate symptoms of infection but identifies risk factors that predispose a patient to infection. Understanding these factors helps the nurse plan preventive measures.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors include:
- Invasive procedures (e.g., catheterization, surgery, IV lines)
- Insufficient knowledge of pathogen avoidance and infection prevention
- Tissue destruction due to trauma, burns, or prolonged pressure
- Pharmaceutical agents such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressants
- Malnutrition, especially protein-energy deficiency
- Immunosuppression from disease or therapeutic treatment
- Inadequate immunity due to aging, genetic disorders, HIV/AIDS, or chronic disease
- Inadequate secondary defenses such as leukopenia, anemia, and suppressed inflammatory response
- Inadequate primary defenses like broken skin, altered pH, stasis of body fluids, or peristalsis changes
- Chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, cancer, or pulmonary disorders
Examples of High-Risk Patients
- Post-operative surgical patient with incisions and drains
- Patient undergoing chemotherapy with low white blood cell count
- Older adults with decreased skin integrity and immune response
- Patients with diabetes and slow wound healing
- Newborns with immature immune systems
Assessment Data
Although there are no defining characteristics (because this is a risk diagnosis), nurses must carefully observe the following indicators:
- Compromised skin or mucous membranes
- Presence of invasive devices (IV lines, urinary catheters, tracheostomy)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Altered laboratory values (WBC count, neutrophils)
- Poor personal hygiene
- Prolonged immobility
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
NOC Outcomes (Nursing Outcomes Classification)
Suggested NOC labels for this diagnosis include:
- Immune Status – Patient maintains adequate immunity and response to infection
- Knowledge: Infection Control – Patient verbalizes and demonstrates infection prevention practices
- Risk Control – Patient recognizes and avoids behaviors that increase infection exposure
- Risk Detection – Patient identifies early signs of infection and seeks medical help promptly
Expected Patient Outcomes
- Remains free from symptoms of infection
- Maintains white blood cell count within normal limits
- Demonstrates proper hygiene practices (hand washing, oral care, perineal care)
- Identifies early symptoms of infection
- Manages care of high-risk body sites appropriately
NIC Interventions (Nursing Interventions Classification)
Suggested NIC labels include:
- Infection Control
- Infection Protection
Key Nursing Interventions
- Perform standardized hand hygiene before and after patient contact
- Monitor laboratory values such as WBC and differential counts
- Maintain sterile techniques during invasive procedures
- Educate the patient about infection prevention practices
- Ensure proper nutrition to support immune function
- Limit exposure to infected individuals when immunity is low
- Remove invasive devices as soon as clinically possible
- Assess wound sites frequently for signs of infection
- Promote mobility to prevent stasis of fluids
Patient Education Examples
- Teach effective handwashing using soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Explain why sharing personal items increases infection risk
- Encourage vaccination where appropriate
- Advise on proper wound care and signs of infection
Case Example
Scenario: A 65-year-old diabetic patient is admitted with a foot ulcer. The patient’s blood sugar is uncontrolled, and there is reduced lower limb circulation.
Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Infection related to inadequate primary defenses and chronic disease.
Interventions:
- Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
- Educate on foot care and diabetic diet
- Assess ulcer daily for drainage or erythema
- Encourage hygienic practices
Outcome: The patient shows no signs of infection and maintains normal WBC counts.
Why This Diagnosis Is Important
Infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preventing infection not only protects patients but also reduces healthcare costs and antibiotic use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of hospital-acquired infections occur every year, many of which are preventable through proper nursing care.
Conclusion
The nursing diagnosis Risk for Infection is essential in developing preventive strategies to protect patients from avoidable infections. Nurses must identify risk factors, apply evidence-based interventions, and educate patients on effective infection control practices. A proactive approach improves patient outcomes, reduces complications, shortens hospital stays, and enhances the overall quality of care.
Nurses are on the frontline of infection prevention. Understanding this diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to act early—long before an infection occurs.
References / Sources
- NANDA International. Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification.
- World Health Organization. Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Basic Infection Control Practices.
- Potter & Perry. Fundamentals of Nursing.
