What are signs of potential infection a home health nurse should monitor for?

Monitoring for signs of potential infection is a critical aspect of home health nursing. Increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from a wound are classic indicators of infection. These signs suggest that the body's immune response is actively working to fight off a pathogen in the area, which can be evidenced by localized inflammation. This physical response includes vasodilation, which causes warmth and increased blood flow, leading to redness and swelling. Additionally, any purulent discharge can indicate the presence of bacteria and the need for further assessment or intervention.

In contrast, decreased patient mobility and fatigue may point to various health issues but are not direct signs of infection. Improved appetite and sleep patterns generally indicate recovery and wellness rather than infection, and frequent changes in emotional status could suggest psychological distress rather than a physiological infection. Thus, monitoring physical signs such as warmth, redness, swelling, and discharge provides clear, actionable information on a patient's infection status.