Hospital-Acquired Infection: A Case Study

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Hospital-acquired infectsion (HAI) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a localized or systemic condition resulting from an adverse reaction to the presence of an infectious agent or toxin that occurs 48 hours or more after admission to a hospital or health care facility.”(JAMDA) Every year it is estimated that 700,000 to 1.7 million people will contract a HAI and nearly 100,000 will die from their infection. There are 5 major HAIs; Blood stream infections, ventilator associated pneumonia, surgical site infections, Clostridium difficile infections and catheter associated urinary tract infections.(MCELROY) Of the five, the most common in elderly patients is pneumonia and UTIs. How can we decrease the occurrences …show more content…

As the patient ages they become more susceptible to infection. The geriatric population has defective host defenses that compromise their ability to ward off infectious agents; factors influencing immunocompetences including chronic diseases, medications, malnutrition, functional impairments.” Changes in the aging body including thinning of the skin, enlarge prostate, decreased cough reflux and dysphagia may also increase their risk of infection. (STRAUSBAUGH). The frequency of these infections is unsafe. Of the staggering numbers of 700,000 to 1.7 million people who contract a HAI during their hospital stay, more than 50% are preventable. Each year the costs for HAI are estimated at $9.8 billion dollars (MCELROY). The contraction of an infection may prolong the length of hospital stay for a patient which once again makes them more susceptible to obtain another HAI. COST OF CHG BATHING. HOW DOES INFECTION AFFECT GERIATRIC …show more content…

In several studies, chlorhexidine gluconate has been effective in decreasing infections and reducing transmission of both MRSA and CRE. (RITZ) (MCELROY) (RUBIN). Education of nursing staff and doctors as well as family and the patient on the importance of CHG bath and compliance can help reduce incidence of HAIs. “Implementation and monitoring of the process may afford the opportunity to decrease hospital-acquired transmissions, reduce costs, decrease the length of stay and increase patient and staff satisfaction”

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