<P> Risk of infection is a nursing diagnosis which is defined as "the state in which an individual is at risk to be invaded by an opportunistic or pathogenic agent (virus, fungus, bacteria, protozoa, or other parasite) from endogenous or exogenous sources" and was approved by NANDA in 1986 . Although anyone can become infected by a pathogen, patients with this diagnosis are at an elevated risk and extra infection controls should be considered . </P> <P> The risk of infection depends on a number of endogenous sources . Skin damage from incision as well as very young or old age can increase a patient's risk of infection . Examples of risk factors includes decreased immune system secondary to disease, compromised circulation secondary to peripheral vascular disease, compromised skin integrity secondary to surgery, or repeated contact with contagious agents . </P> <P> The patient should be asked about a history of repeated infections, symptoms of infection, recent travel to high - risk areas, and their immunization history . They should also be assessed for objective signs such as the presence of wounds, fever, or signs of nutritional deficiency </P>

5 factors that put an individual at risk for an infection
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