A nurse is reviewing the medical record for a client who has a health care-associated infection (HAI). The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a risk factor for acquiring an HAI?

A) The client is a male: While gender can influence the risk of certain health conditions, being male is not generally considered a major risk factor for acquiring a health care-associated infection (HAI). Other factors, such as age, immune status, and recent surgical procedures, are more directly linked to HAI risk.

B) The client is 71 years old: Older adults are at a higher risk for acquiring healthcare-associated infections due to age-related changes in the immune system, decreased skin integrity, and the likelihood of having multiple chronic conditions. The decreased immune response in elderly individuals makes them more susceptible to infections, including those acquired in healthcare settings.

C) The client had an appendectomy 6 months ago: While past surgeries can contribute to the risk of infections, the fact that the client had an appendectomy 6 months ago does not directly indicate a current risk for acquiring an HAI. Typically, the risk of postoperative infections decreases over time as the wound heals, especially if the surgery occurred months ago.

D) The client has bipolar disorder: Although bipolar disorder can affect a person's mental health and compliance with medical treatments, it is not a direct risk factor for acquiring a healthcare-associated infection. The focus in HAI risk assessment is generally on physical health factors such as age, immune status, surgical history, and other clinical factors rather than mental health conditions.

A) Return any fresh linen not used for a client to the linen supply: Fresh linen that has been placed on a client’s bed but not used should not be returned to the linen supply. This is to prevent cross-contamination. Once linen is brought into a patient’s room, it should be considered contaminated, even if it was not used, and should be discarded properly.

B) Tie linen bags securely at the top: This is the correct action. When disposing of soiled linens, tying the linen bag securely helps to prevent the spread of pathogens and minimizes the risk of contamination. It also keeps the environment clean and safe for both staff and patients.

C) Fill linen bags with as much soiled linen as possible: Linen bags should not be overfilled. Overfilling bags can make them difficult to handle and can increase the risk of exposure to contaminants. Bags should be filled to a safe and manageable level to ensure proper handling and safety when transporting soiled linens.

D) Use double bagging to remove soiled linen from the client's room: Double bagging is typically not necessary unless there is a significant risk of contamination, such as with highly infectious material. Standard practice is to use a single, securely tied bag. Double bagging can create unnecessary waste and complicate disposal procedures unless specifically indicated by the situation or facility protocols.