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Nosocomial Infections: Causes and Prevention Methods

N Nosocomial illnesses are clearly caused by bacteria or toxins in a specific location, such as a hospital. Those who present to the hospital are not diagnosed with the infections. Nosocomial infections, on the other hand, can emerge within 72 hours of admission. The sickness is caused by organisms or bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus, which infects the blood, is one of the most frequent bacteria that can cause such illnesses. More specifically, Escherichia coli affects the urinary tract infection (UTI), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa affects the kidney, UTI, and respiratory system (Bowler, 2015).

Methods to Reduce Nosocomial Infections

Thankfully, the spread of the virus can be reduced. Practical methods have been discovered to minimize nosocomial infections. Both patients and healthcare personnel should wash their hands regularly using disinfectants. The stethoscope should be cleaned with an alcohol swab at least daily. Lastly, medical staff should wear personal protective equipment when attending to patients (PPE).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment includes helmets, eye and mouth protection, gloves, and safety footwear among other clothes which protect the healthcare providers against any risk in the work environment (Domino & Baldor, 2012).

Aseptic techniques are also used to reduce infections. For example, practices and procedures which take place under controlled conditions to minimize pathogenic contaminations. The approach can be utilized when dealing with patients whose infections have a high transmission risk.

Prescription of antibiotics is limited to viral and bacterial infections where the benefits of the therapy are marginal. Patients should avoid overusing antibiotics since it will lead to resistance of the bacteria to the medication (Wenzel, 2013).

Role of Hospital Personnel

Hospital personnel can help in the prevention of nosocomial infections. They should maintain high hygiene standards as well as educate the patients on ways of reducing infections and transmission.

References

Wenzel, R. P. (2013). Prevention and control of nosocomial infections. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Domino, F. J. & Baldor, R. A. (2012). The 5-minute clinical consult 2012. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Bowler, I. (2015). Nosocomial infections. Oxford Medicine Online. doi:10.1093/med/9780199204854.003.070203_update_00