Nurses should use a systematic approach to assess for infection. This includes: - Vital Signs Monitoring: Regularly check temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. - Physical Examination: Inspect and palpate suspected areas for swelling, redness, and warmth. - Observation of Wounds: Look for changes in the appearance of wounds, including increased exudate, foul odor, or changes in color. - Patient Interview: Ask patients about symptoms such as pain, headache, or changes in urination patterns.