infection control
Procedures
SN instructed patient several factors put patients with LVADs at high risk for infection—for example, malnutrition. Potential sources of infection include ventilators, central venous catheters, peripheral I.V. lines, and indwelling urinary catheters. Keep in mind that all hospital patients are at risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and Clostridium difficile infection, as well as pressure injuries, which can become infected.
SN instructed patient What can you do to control blood pressure? To minimize the risk of hypertension, control sodium, potassium, and other essential electrolytes the body uses to maintain fluid balance. The recommendation for patients with kidney disease: limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day. Most sodium in today’s diet comes from processed foods and restaurants foods. Unhealthy lifestyles choices, such as smoking tobacco, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, may also contribute to hypertension.
SN instructed patient that water helps flush your urinary tract, make sure you drink plenty of plain water daily. Don't hold it when you need to urinate. Holding it when you need to go can help any bacteria that may be present develop into a urinary tract infection. Wipe from front to back after a bowl movement. This is especially important to help prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
Instructed patient in medications Vancomycin and
Cefepime treats bacterial infections. Instructed patient about Midline activities to avoid Bathing: Caregivers may tell you to
take showers rather than baths to help prevent infection. When bathing, keep the area where the catheter is inserted covered
and sealed with plastic wrap. This will keep the area of skin and the bandage dry, and help prevent an infection.
Instructed patient check your skin where the
catheter enters it every day. Look for signs of infection and other problems. Instructed patient call your health care provider if you: Have bleeding, redness or swelling at the PICC line or Midline site, have pain near the site or in your arm, have signs
of infection (fever, chills), are short of breath.
Instructed patient it is very important to prevent infection, which might require removal of the PICC line. The nurse will show you how to keep your supplies sterile, so no germs will enter the catheter and cause an infection.
SN instructed patient the following way you can help prevent an infection wash your hands, use soap or an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands. Check your skin every day for signs of infection, such as pain, redness, swelling, and oozing. Contact your primary healthcare provider if you see these signs.
The patient was encouraged importance of keeping the extremity elevated above heart level on firm pillows and the need for applying ice bags to the surgical arthroscopy to control swelling and relieve pain. The patient was advised not to apply the ice pack directly to the skin, but to wrap the ice in a small towel. The patient was instructed avoid bathing until able to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then showering with the extremity covered by a plastic bag may be permitted. The patient was instructed the use of hot tubs, whirlpool baths, and heating pads should be avoided. The patient was encouraged of moving extremities to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. The patient was instructed physical therapy exercises needed for a gradual increase in strength and mobility.
The patient was instructed in craniotomy in proper wound management and dressing changes, procedure, frequency of dressing change, and inspection of incision with each dressing change. The patient was advised to avoid scratching sutures and to keep the incision dry. The patient was advised that hair may be shampooed when the sutures are removed but to avoid scrubbing around the suture line. The patient was recommended to avoid using hair dryer until the hair grows back. The patient was taught to avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures of the lower extremities because of possible sensory nerve loss. The patient was instructed to avoid straining during defecation and to avoid constipation through the use of prescribed stool softeners and laxatives. The patient was advised to avoid coughing, sneezing, and nose blowing; if inevitable they must be done with an open mouth to control intracranial pressure.
The patient was instructed in craniectomy in proper wound management and dressing changes, procedure, frequency of dressing change, and inspection of incision with each dressing change. The patient was advised to avoid scratching sutures and to keep the incision dry. The patient was advised that hair may be shampooed when the sutures are removed but to avoid scrubbing around the suture line. The patient was recommended to avoid using hair dryer until the hair grows back. The patient was taught to avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures of the lower extremities because of possible sensory nerve loss. The patient was instructed to avoid straining during defecation and to avoid constipation through the use of prescribed stool softeners and laxatives. The patient was advised to avoid coughing, sneezing, and nose blowing; if inevitable they must be done with an open mouth to control intracranial pressure.