Infection control nursing precaution- hand hygiene
Norovirus is a healthcare associated infection which can cause morbidity and mortality (Weber et al. 2010, pg. 25). Norovirus is spread through ingesting food or liquids that are contaminated with norovirus and also from touching or being in contact with objects and people who are contaminated with pathogens from norovirus (Weber et al. 2010, pg. 25). According to Weber et al. 2010 (pg. 26), approximately 20%-40% of hospital acquired infections are because of cross infections through the healthcare worker’s hands. A simple and effective solution to lowering the risk of spreading Reginald’s infection around the hospital is hand hygiene by healthcare workers and even visitors within the hospital
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Pain relief could be used to help Reginald with the pain, if it is suitable in his situation. If not, a massage or an application of heat or cold could be effective with pain (Berman et al. 2015, p.1324). This can enhance comfort and relaxation (Berman et al. 2015, p.1325). Another way of accommodating him is to adjust the posture of his bed and the way he is laying so that he is comfortable. This could mean lying him on his side with pillows supporting him so he isn’t leaning on the part of his body that is in pain. It could be assumed that Reginald has a sore throat and anus from his sickness. There are different steps which can be taken to soothe anal discomfort. An ointment, ice pack or pain relief can be used to help with the pain (Everyday Health 2015). Ice cubes or throat soothers can be used to help relieve the pain in Reginald’s throat. Distraction can be a way of drawing a person’s attention away from their pain and lessens the perception of their pain (Berman et al. 2015, p.1326). The healthcare workers could make sure he’s comfortable and give him TV to watch, or phone his wife so he can talk to her or give him some crossword puzzles so he is distracted from the pain he is
To prevent and control the infection and the measures that are to be taken by the facility to limit the spread of norovirus is that the organisation should have signs saying that there are some infected patients. Making sure of having a proper hand hygiene and wash the laundry thoroughly and make sure to disinfect the clothes. Usage of proper Personal Protection Equipment and sterilize the suspected
The prototype of norovirus was identified in 1968 by electron microscopy as a cause of Gastroenteritis in Norwalk, Ohio. Human noroviruses are a major cause of Epidemic Gastroenteritis, and Epidemic Gastroenteritis is a major cause of foodborne illness. Outbreaks occur throughout the year, but it is most common in the winter. Causes 19-21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis, and contributes to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths, mostly among young children and older adults. Responsible for 58% of domestically-acquired foodborne illnesses, and about 50% of foodborne disease outbreaks due to known agents.
The outbreak started on January 11th when almost 550 people became sick. 542 of the report people who became sick ate from El Toro in Tacoma. The other 22 people were infected from chain restaurants near by. These people have gotten sick from a WA-area norovirus with the Tacoma area. Residents of separate households began to send reports to the health department of possible food poisoning on January 5. All of these residents have recently eaten at the Tacoma restaurant. Everyone who has come forward has been treated. There is no incite if anyone have died.
L. ,2009). The virus spreads easily since it is airborne disease and means of contaminated surfaces from person to person through oral/droplet transmission by rubbing their hand ,touching the infected resident surrounding and mainly the hands of the staff (Nazarko, L., 2013, Anderson, K. L. ,2009,Crisp & taylor, 2013). However norovirus can infect people of all ages, but it mostly affects the older person since they have reduced immune system(Crisp & Taylor.et.al.,2013,Pg 706). On the other hand in nursing home environment is complex and challenging area for limiting infection while the residents should be managed effectively while maintaining comfortable and pleasant environment . Therefore, outbreak measures such as hand hygiene, isolation of the patient and proper PPE, staff clothing and personal hygiene, the staff is aware of the facility policy and procedure during the outbreak (Nazarko, L., 2013, NHMRC, ). As a protective measure the care staff should follow the proper vaccination schedule(NHMRC,2010 , Beckett.G.,J.Bright,
It was indeed a great pleasure to read your interpretation of the Norovirus in Vermont. I would like to share my point of view as it relates to the similarities and differences from the outbreak of Norovirus in Vermont to the outbreak of Botulism in Argentina.
Taking a cruise can be a fun and amazing experience, but what about the hidden illnesses? Many cruises have had the so called Norovirus onboard, and that has kept many people from sailing. I personally think that if the right measures are taken, such as washing your hands and using the utensils when getting the food from the buffet, everything will be okay.
Implementation of patient care practices for infection control is the role of the nursing staff. Nurses are responsible for maintaining hygiene, consistent with hospital policies and good nursing practice on the ward and monitoring aseptic techniques, including hand-washing and use of isolation. It is also in their scope of practice to promptly report to the attending physician any evidence of infection in patients under the nurse’s care and initiating patient isolation and ordering culture specimens from any patient showing signs of a communicable disease, when the physician is not immediately available. Limiting patient exposure to infections from visitors, hospital staff, other patients, or equipment used for diagnosis or treatment and maintaining
On June 5th, 2015, the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina was ground zero of a foodborne outbreak. It reopened a few days later but closed once again on June 10th. The restaurant suspected that there was a problem when nine of its employees got sick as well as a few customer reports. In the end, twenty-one employees and up to ninety-six customers got sick after the outbreak.
Adding to the list of odd inventions, scientists have put together a machine that spews puke. But, the oddity ends there. This simulated vomiting machine could actually tell how a highly contagious viral infection spreads to others.
Noroviruses (NoV) are important human pathogens and a major public health threat. Noroviruses are non-enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNA viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans (1-4). Noroviruses have been referred to as ‘cruise ship viruses’ from well-publicized cruise ship outbreaks although these outbreaks account for less than 1% of all outbreaks worldwide (5). The symptoms and illness associated with Norovirus infections is often referred to as ‘stomach flu’, despite little resemblance to the influenza virus. Noroviruses are responsible for 21 million infections and over 70,000 hospitalizations annually in the USA, and account for 10-15% of severe cases of gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years old (6). In
Healthcare associated infections have an impact on patients - how? Can be prevented greatly with compliance to hand hygiene protocols (REF).
An invisible organism enters your body. It penetrates into your tissues and then takes over the machinery in your own cells to make more copies of itself. This tiny infiltrator works silently, producing thousands of these clones that fill up the cell and cause it to explode. The clones mercilessly continue the process of invading, taking over and destroying cells. The result might be a minor inconvenience to you as the host, or it could result in a slow or rapid death. It depends only on which variant of this unwanted infiltrator overcomes your body’s defenses. There are cures to wipe out some types of these invisible intruders, but others are so difficult to eradicate or so readily adaptable, that the world’s greatest scientists
There is no single intervention for prevention of norovirus; therefore an early intervention and rapid implementation of infection control measures are key to controlling norovirus disease transmission. Hand hygiene is a primary prevention behavior and practical intervention that is effective in controlling the outbreak of the disease, the protocol include the switching to an exclusive use of soap when washing the hands and blend the washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizers (Neha, 2013, p. 63). Other measures include ensuring there is personal protective equipment, isolation of patients that have norovirus disease symptoms, educating the public and disinfection of the environment. Medication cannot reduce the risk of illness and those under antipsychotic drugs are not likely to become symptomatic and the medication can act as a surrogate maker for biologically plausible protective factor.
On reflection I have learned by being with the IPCT the importance of sending samples off when the first episode of diarrhoea and vomiting occurs leasing with team members. The IPCT emphasises prompt screening of suspecting patients for a norovirus as early detection of the signs can prevent an outbreak on the ward. I have become aware that the mode of transmission of norovirus means it is not always possible to avoid becoming infected (Nursing Times 2011). The trust provides mandatory training to inform nursing staff on the most recent infection control measures in practice. Hence, good hygiene and the isolation of infected individuals can limit the spread. Good communication is important with all visitors and staff, including cleaners.
The priority nursing diagnosis of hospital acquired infection is risk for any kind of infection. One of the main goals for each patient in the hospital is the patient will remain free of infection as evidence by absence of heat, pain, redness, or swelling in any area of the patient’s body during each nurse’s shift. (care plan book). Frequently hand washing is the best intervention for preventing infection. Hand washing reduces the risk of transmission of pathogens by inhibiting the growth of or killing the microorganisms. (cb)Proper sterile technique during urinary