Which is a risk diagnosis related to infection in nursing?

• A. Impaired Mobility
• B. Acute Pain
• C. Risk for Infection
• D. Knowledge Deficit

Answer: (C)

In nursing, there are risk diagnoses and actual diagnoses. A risk diagnosis is used when the patient isn’t infected yet but has factors that make infection more likely. “Risk for Infection” communicates that danger and guides preventive actions, such as strict hand hygiene, aseptic technique, careful wound care, monitoring for early signs of infection, and addressing factors that raise susceptibility (like invasive devices or poor nutrition).

Impaired Mobility focuses on limitations in movement, which isn’t specifically about infection risk. Acute Pain describes a symptom, not an infection risk. Knowledge Deficit targets learning needs. So the risk for infection fits best because it directly identifies susceptibility to infection and prompts preventive care.