Question

what are the signs and symptoms of an infection? what data would the nurse collect to find an infection? ( think vital signs)

Answer 1

The signs and symptoms of an infection are

• General :Elevated body temperature ,pain, in case of wound redness, tenderness can be observed
• Respiratory :running nose ,cough, nasal congestion,
• GIT:loose stools, nausea and vomiting ,sore throat
• Genitourinary :itching, pain in lower abdomen ,back, painful urination, decreased or concentrated urine output .Discharge with foul smell
• Integumentary :urticaria ,pus formation ,blisters,
• Sensory : discharge from eyes, ears ,nose

In addition to the above data vital signs has to Mr measured especially temperature will rise in case of infection. Due to the alteration in the body because of infection tachycardia and tachypnea can also be observed .In case of severe respiratory infection a drop in spo2 can be observed in the patient .