Preventing the Spread of Nosocomial Infections

Preventing the Spread of Nosocomial Infections Thomas Elliott   Nosocomial is a term derived from two Greek words: nosus meaning a diseaseor ailment and komeion meaning to take care of. By definition, nosocomial infections are those that are acquired by patients while under direct medical care. Nosocomial infections are a major safety concern for both medical professionals and their patients and have been linked to an increase in morbidity, mortality and an increase length of stay (Mehta et al., 2014). These patients require more therapeutic and diagnostic interventions, endure preventable suffering, and occupy scarce bed-days. This has a systemic effect on our medical infrastructure, forcing hospitals to spend more. Consequently, insurance companies bridge the gap by charging more for their benefits. Nurses have the responsibility of beneficence and play a crucial role in stopping the spread of nosocomial infections. It is the foundation on which our nursing procedures and techniques are grounded. The American Nurses Association (ANA) promotes e vidence-based practices that can be utilized by clinicians to prevent nosocomial infections so that, in collaboration with the Affordable Care Act, patients will have more knowledge about the care they receive, better outcomes and shorter hospital stays. Preventing nosocomial infections in patients is a major responsibility for nurses as well as other healthcare providers because it greatly reduces patient mortality, length of stay and health care costs. I worked with a 77-year-old male patient who was recovering from multiple ailments on the intensive care floor. He contracted ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) after being on mechanical ventilation for 30 days. Upon treatment of his pneumonia, he developed multiple drug resistant organisms from his antibiotic therapy rendering his illness virtually incurable. Ventilator associated pneumonia is a nosocomial infection and patients have a 1%-4% chance of contracting this illness for every day they are on mechanical ventilation (Chastre Fagon, 2002). This disease is preventable and two questions have been formulated to explore strategies on its prevention: What is the most important aspect of patient care for the prevention of transmission of nosocomial infections and what patient p opulations are the most vulnerable? Aseptic technique is a procedural process by which a clinician establishes an environment that is free from bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms in order to provide care to a patient. This technique is required anytime that a patients skin is perforated or when a sterile body cavity is entered such as when providing ventilator care (Schub Woten, 2015). It includes meticulous hand hygiene and the use of sterile attire and equipment. Approximately one third of nosocomial infections occur when aseptic technique is not followed and is transmitted from patient to patient through direct contact by a healthcare provider (Lewis et al, 2011, p. 240).   Because a large portion of nosocomial infections are transmitted by healthcare providers, proper hand washing and the use of protective equipment are the single most important measures in infection control (Saloojee Steenhoff, 2001). The hands are the most common way microorganisms are transmitted between patients, so it is imperative for health care providers to wash their hands vigorously for 15 seconds before and after leaving the room and when moving from one task to another (Mehta et al., 2014). These guidelines are backed by evidence-based practice and are established to protect patients, especially those who are the most vulnerable to infection. Patients receiving health care are exposed to a variety of different microorganisms from clinicians, other patients and even from hospital visitors. Susceptibility can be attributed to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The most important intrinsic factor that determines susceptibility towards acquiring nosocomial infections is age. Older adults and the elderly population are two to three times more likely to develop nosocomial infections than the younger population (Lewis et al, 2011, p. 240).   Typically, the elderly have more comorbidities, are more immunocompromised and have longer hospital stays which increases their chances of developing nosocomial infections. Extrinsic factors include surgical or invasive procedures such as the use of a ventilator, organ transplants, implanted foreign bodies or immunosuppressive medications and personal exposure. These extrinsic factors bypass the normal defensive barriers of the skin and mucous membranes, providing foci where organi sms can flourish. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be controlled by healthcare providers through the application and knowledge of evidence-based infection control practices such as aseptic technique. Patients have very little control over the factors that affect their health during hospitalization and rely on the healthcare providers to stay diligent. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) in coordination with the American Nurses Association (ANA) has implemented strategies for clinicians to both reduce the likelihood of nosocomial infections and empower patients with knowledge regarding which hospitals provide the safest practices. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was established to provide health insurance for all Americans and to equip them with adequate knowledge regarding the risks and benefits of where they are receiving their care. Although patients covered under the act will not need to pay out of pocket for the treatment of nosocomial infections, they will need to pay for insurance claims related to medications, follow-up care, lab work and rehab. These claims can drag on for years. Because patient safety is a top priority, the ACA has rolled out a mandate which requires hospitals to be held accountable for nosocomial infections. This includes improving infrastructure, insurance requirements as well as reduced payments from Medicare and state Medicaid programs.   The ACA has also established a uniform online reference center for the public to utilize which allows them to check the prevalence of nosocomial infections at their local hospitals. Patients can then make educated decisions on where they ar e likely to receive the safest healthcare. Patient perception of the environment and care they receive is tied to financial incentives for hospitals which is measured by patient satisfaction surveys. The survey includes questions that ask patients about the perceived cleanliness of the hospital, quality of care and if they would recommend the specific hospital. These elements included in the ACA are designed to protect, educate and to empower patients to make the right healthcare decisions. The American Nurses Association (ANA) as well has developed evidence-based guidelines for nurses and other healthcare providers to utilize in order to prevent nosocomial infections and improve patient outcomes. Emergent threats to patient safety, such as nosocomial infections, during a hospital stay require nurses and other healthcare providers to be equipped and educated with the latest research to protect themselves and their patients against infection. The ANA in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a specialty organization called the Nursing Infection Control Education Network (NICE Network) which provides training courses for nurses to improve adherence to infection prevention practices. This program keeps nurses up-to-date on the latest research regarding infection prevention such as vigorous hand washing for 15 seconds and the use of gloves, gown and a mask when working in a sterile environment (ANA, 2017). These measures are aimed at reducing healthcare costs for patients and for improving their outcomes. The ANA described this method of care through the use of an inverted pyramid of priorities. This model represents primary care as the foundation of our nursing practice and should be the highest priority for providing care by focusing on prevention of complications and adverse events (American Nurses Association, 2008). This shift of thinking requires nurses to assume a more holistic approach to their practice not only by focusing on the physical ailment of the patient but in caring for the entire person. In so doing, nurses reduce their risk of inadvertently transmitting nosocomial infections to their patients while providing care for another reason. Health care is becoming less accessible and more expensive for patients so it is imperative that providers stay diligent and safe with their practices as to not deter people from seeking medical attention. Nurses and other health care providers do not intend to spread disease but unfortunately, they become the vectors and can spread infection to their patients without knowing it. This is why the ANA has implemented simple, evidenced-based preventative strategies to be taught in the form of classes to significantly reduce transmission rates and to increase compliance with and adoption of safest evidence-based practices by health care providers. The ACA has established a form of accountability for hospitals along with providing the general public with information regarding nosocomial infections at their local hospitals. These measures have been implemented to protect our patients, especially the most vulnerable from acquiring these infections and to reduce the overall rate nationwide o f nosocomial infections.

Evidence Based Claim Essay

Elizabeth Moschella King and Obama make arguments against and for violence respectively; however; King’s rhetoric utilizes emotion and values, or pathos, to advance his idea of a †genuine civilization,† while Obama uses logic and realism to advance his idea of facing the â€Å"world as it is. † Though King and Obama are accepting the Nobel Peace Prize for different reasons, we find that they connect through their words in a way that makes them seem as though they aren’t decades apart. Each acknowledges that the world as it is, the good and the bad alike, needs to change.King accepted his award for all of the nonviolent movements he has caused for the equality of blacks, yet he acknowledges that not all nonviolent movements end in nonviolence. Fighting for what is right can often lead to â€Å"wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets† (line 48). King even realizes that â€Å"one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed† (lines 53-54). It has become clear that King uses his emotion and religious values to get his point across to us; he uses words with such a power that can persuade his listeners to believe anything.He manipulates our minds and speaks with such a certainty that seems to connect with us the same way Obama does using logic and realism. Obama accepted his award for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. This means that he has accepted this prize for his efforts to make peace in a place where it had seemed near impossible. Yet, Obama too addresses that peace cannot come about with only nonviolent actions. The world as it is is full of war and fighting for your beliefs. â€Å"I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people† (lines 80-81).It is recognized that â€Å"†¦Evil does exist in the world. A nonviolent movemen t could not have halted Hitler’s armies. Negotiations cannot convince al Qaeda’s leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism – it is a recognition of history; the imperfections of man and the limits of reason† (lines 81-85). Obama is using his way of logos when making these fact-based statements; he is using a form of truth and logic to get a listener emotionally connected with the world and realizing all of the horrible events that occur everyday.In this way Obama and King are similar; they both get the audience emotionally attached and moved by the words spoken. Anyone who listens to or reads either one of their acceptance speeches realizes how humble they both are about the prize, and are ashamed they didn’t do more to help the violent world. In a way, King would be proud of how far Obama has gotten in the world. Going from a fight for justice led by King for black rights to Obama, a black, e lected as the President of the United States, the world has taken a dramatic turn towards hope and prosperity.

Idea Topics for Propaganda Essay Reviews & Guide

Idea Topics for Propaganda Essay Reviews & Guide It is not very easy to compose a how-to essay. There are different types of propaganda essays. Today you can find a lot of essays on propaganda. A propaganda essay ought to be as persuasive as an oral propaganda to work. Remember your final grade significantly is based on the topic. We will be able to help you opt for an essay topic according to the degree of education. For instance, you can select a topic for elementary, middle, or higher school. Using examples discuss how a number of them serve to emphasize the author's major themes. If you're still struggling, attempt to use our sample topics list for a source of your inspiration. Here's a list which contains examples of fantastic essay topics. Read the subsequent sample essay on advertising approaches and learn why. Make sure your essay doesn't have any mechanical and stylistic errors. Narrative essay topics Narrative essay is a little different from different types. How can you compose a fantastic argumentative essay. In the past few years with the debut of internet and long distance communication channels it has become simpler to boost the range of propaganda essays worldwide. We've suggested topics for a number of disciplines, various degrees of education, kinds of essays, and subjects. They'll not simply make sure your grammar and spelling are in check, but in addition that the flow and content of your entire essay are on track. However, for society in general I feel that it needs to be written down and it is and it is known as history. The Basics of Idea Topics for Propaganda Essay Hence, many believe that the cost of cigarettes ought to be high so that folks stop buying them. The second sort is known as testimonial. A good example of testimonial is, Nine out of ten dentists recommend this sort of toothpaste. Imagine the simplicity and convenience of having all your kilts and accessories in 1 place. Irrespective of the annoyances and possible destruction that advertising and public r elations can cause it's a reality they serve an important function. Thus, the media significantly contributed to the upkeep of the cold war antagonism. Informative job of social networking. News purposes in social networking. Employing propaganda to manipulate the masses isn't a new phenomenon. The main function of the propaganda was supposed to demonstrate misconception of communism. There are 3 major types of propaganda today. Subconsciously, individuals permit the use of propaganda influence their choice to buy items they often wouldn't buy. It is normal to be aware the prevalence of the item to be able to plant the idea if everyone uses it, it has to be useful to the minds of the general public. In that case, briefly outline them. The absolutely free spread of ideas isn't an ideal approach. Do not try and do everything. Folks are authorized to manage animals, and they're able to even keep them as pets for bestowing the correct attention and affection. They were also urged to provide things such as food and clothing for the soldiers on the fronts. They can communicate with friends at any part of the world through Facebook. Thus, let's examine a number of the Animal Farm topics you might discover interesting. Additionally, I used websites like the US Holocaust memorial museum to locate an array of important facts and images. Ultimately, an Austrian poster demonstrates how a kid is putting in money for the war.

Movie Review The Virgin Suicides - 846 Words

Sofia Coppola is the daughter of the famous director Francis Ford Coppola who made The Godfather films. She is a producer, director, screenwriter and actress. Coppola directed and wrote the 1999 film The Virgin Suicides. Her directorial work for Lost in Translation won an Oscar. She became the first American woman to win the Golden Lion, the top prize at the Venice Film Festival in 2010. Coppola made brief appearances in her father s films throughout her childhood. Acting, however, would not be Sofia s strong suit. As seen in her performance in the third instalment of The Godfather. She was cast at the last minute as Mary Corleone, Coppola was ruthlessly panned by critics for her stiff and false portrayal. Following this, Sofia retreated from the spotlight, enrolling in the fine arts program at the California Institute of Arts, concentrating on her photography, experimenting with costume and fashion design. In 1993, however, she began writing the screenplay adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides The Virgin Suicides. Starring James Woods, Kathleen Turner and Kirsten Dunst, the subtle, haunting film was an overwhelming critical and art house success. Coppola made headlines again in 2003 when she debuted Lost In Translation, a film she both wrote and directed. With actor Bill Murray as her muse, the film tells the story of two Americans strangers. In 2004, Coppola won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film. Sofia Coppola s next film wasn t as universallyShow MoreRelated American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes and The Virgin Suicides, directed by Sofia Coppola2680 Words   |  11 Pagesappears to be normal equal reality? By looking at two different films it seems that the old cliche stands correct. Things aren’t as they appear. American Beauty and The Virgin Suicides give classic examples of how â€Å"normal† and â€Å"happy† suburban life is anything but. 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