Question

which of the following would have the highest risk of infection? o palpating a patients distended abdomen o performing a digital rectal exam to check the prostate o performing a bilateral ear irrigation o suturing a cut on the inside of a patients mouth

Explanation:

• Palpating a distended abdomen is non - invasive.
• Bilateral ear irrigation is a relatively low - risk, non - invasive procedure for the ear.
• Performing a digital rectal exam is an invasive procedure but the mouth and rectum have different levels of microbial load and the mouth has a more exposed and potentially contaminated environment when suturing.
• Suturing a cut inside the patient’s mouth: The mouth is full of bacteria (normal flora and potential pathogens). When we suture a cut in the mouth, the warm, moist environment and the presence of numerous bacteria increase the chance of infection. The oral cavity has a high bacterial count, and any break in the mucosa (like a cut that is being sutured) provides a portal of entry for these bacteria to cause an infection. In contrast, the other procedures either are less invasive (palpation, ear irrigation) or the site (rectum for digital exam) has a different microbial ecology and less exposure compared to the mouth.

Answer:

Suturing a cut on the inside of a patient's mouth