infection control
Diseases Process
SN observed bag technique and performed proper hand washing per CDC guideline before and after patient contact. Vital signs taken & recorded. Assessed all body systems with focus on urological status. SN educated patient/pcg that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate glands become enlarged which usually happens when a man ages. It may compress the urethra which courses through the center of the prostate. This can impede the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra to the outside. It can cause urine to back up in the bladder leading to the need to urinate frequently during the day and night. Signs and symptoms of BPH include hesitant, interrupted, weak stream of urine, urgency and leaking or dribbling, more frequent urination, especially at night. Possible complications of BPH include urinary tract infection and complete blockage of urethra/ SN instructed patient/pcg for patient to increase fluid intake, drink 6-8 glasses of water to prevent the onset of urinary tract infection which is characterized by cloudy urine, fever, foul odor, pain in bladder area. SN instructed patient to report to SN or MD if any of these symptoms occurs and become bothersome or if pain persists go to the nearest hospital or ER.
Instructed patient t 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 about urinary infection's Diet. The use of cranberry products seems to decrease the ability of bacteria to
adhere to the lining of the urethra and bladder. As cranberry juice can have a high amount of sugar, cranberry extract can
be taken in capsule or pill form instead. Increasing water intake by one or two glasses per day may help limit the length of
time that you have symptoms and reduce the infections.
SN instructed that check the access for signs of infection or problems with blood flow before each hemodialysis treatment, even if the patient is inserting the needles. Keeping the access clean at all times. Using the access site only for dialysis. Being careful not to bump or cut the access. Checking the thrill in the access every day. The thrill is the rhythmic vibration a person can feel over the vascular access. Watching for and reporting signs of infection, including redness, tenderness, or pus. Not letting anyone put a blood pressure cuff on the access arm. Not wearing jewelry or tight clothes over the access site. Not sleeping with the access arm under the head or body. Not lifting heavy objects or putting pressure on the access arm.
SN instructed patient about respiratory infection to drink plenty of fluids ( fever, which may be related to the flu, can cause dehydration ). It is important to maintain hydration. Take acetaminophen ( but do not take aspirin unless your doctor tells ). SN instructed patient to get a flu shot each year and decrease the exposure to the flu.
SN educated patient about Neutropenia. Neutropenia is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, which is a type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow, so anything that inhibits or disrupts that process can result in neutropenia. Instructed patient to prevent infection; Promote oral care, Promote hygiene, Prevent skin breakdown, Promote nutrition and ensure food is prepared and stored appropriately. Educated on signs and symptoms of infection; which include fever, Red, swollen, warm, or painful skin areas or wounds, An area of orange, bumpy skin with blisters, Cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing, Burning feeling while you urinate. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient what is the best thing to do for a urinary tract infection? Drink plenty of water. Water helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria.
Instructed patient how can I prevent infections. Keep your mouth clean. Saliva and mucus contain germs that cause infection if they enter your airway. Brush your teeth twice a day. Suction your mouth as needed. Use a mouth wash twice a day or as directed. Take deep breaths and cough 10 times each hour. This will decrease your risk for a lung infection. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. Let the air out and then cough strongly. Deep breaths help open your airway. You may be given an incentive spirometer to help you take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath, then let the air out and cough. Repeat these steps 10 times every hour.
Instructed patient how do I care for my skin around my trach tube. Clean your skin at least once each day. You may need to clean it more often if you cough up a lot of thick mucus. You may need someone to help you clean your skin. Wash your hands and put on gloves. This will prevent infection. Suction the area around your stoma. This will help remove mucus .Clean your skin around the stoma, clean the tube flanges, change wet or dirty trach ties., place a gauze between your skin and the flanges and check your skin every day for signs of infection. Look for redness or swelling of the skin around your tube. Also look for pus, bleeding, or a rash.
Instructed in management and control such as diet as prescribed by MD, adequate hydration 1000-2000cc 24 hours if not contraindicated, importance of high protein (meat, legumes, eggs, daily), iron and vitamin supplements if indicated.