Ch. 15 Infection p237-249

Here’s a detailed yet digestible summary of Chapter 15: Infection, ensuring that all key concepts are covered while making it easier to understand and retain.

Conceptual Focus Areas

• Adherence – Following infection prevention measures and treatment plans.

• Coping – How patients manage infections physically and emotionally.

• Functional Ability – The impact of infection on a patient’s daily life.

• Immunity – The body’s defense mechanisms against infection.

• Infection – The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms.

• Inflammation – The body’s response to infection.

• Nutrition – The role of adequate nutrition in infection prevention and recovery.

Understanding Infection

Definition

An infection occurs when a pathogen (disease-causing microorganism) enters the body, multiplies, and causes harm. The immune system responds to combat the infection, often triggering inflammation.

Types of Infections

1. Localized – Limited to a small area (e.g., a wound infection).

2. Disseminated – Spreads from the initial site to other body parts.

3. Systemic – Widespread infection affecting multiple organs (e.g., sepsis).

Epidemiology of Infection

Epidemiology is the study of how diseases spread and affect populations.

Types of Pathogens

Emerging & Reemerging Infections

• Emerging Infections: Diseases increasing in incidence (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, Zika virus).

• Reemerging Infections: Once-controlled diseases that return due to vaccine refusal, antibiotic resistance, or global travel (e.g., measles, pertussis, TB).

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

When microorganisms evolve to resist antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
Causes:

• Overuse (e.g., prescribing antibiotics for viral infections).

• Misuse (e.g., patients stopping antibiotics early).

• Genetic mutations in bacteria.

Examples of Resistant Bacteria:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

• Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)

• Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

💡 Nurses play a key role in preventing AMR by educating patients on proper antibiotic use.

Health Care–Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired in hospitals or care facilities, affecting 1 in 25 hospitalized patients yearly.
Common HAIs:

• Catheter-associated UTIs (CAUTIs)

• Surgical site infections (SSIs)

• Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)

• C. difficile infections

🔹 Prevention:

• Hand hygiene

• PPE use

• Proper catheter care

• Sterile technique

Nursing Management: Infection Control

COVID-19 Overview

• Caused by: SARS-CoV-2 virus.

• Transmission: Respiratory droplets and surface contact.

• Incubation period: 2–14 days.

• Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste/smell.

Stages of COVID-19

1. Asymptomatic: No symptoms but contagious.

2. Mild: Flu-like symptoms, no oxygen issues.

3. Moderate: Pneumonia without low oxygen levels.

4. Severe: Low oxygen, possible sepsis.

5. Critical: Organ failure, ARDS, ICU care needed.

COVID-19 Treatment

💉 Vaccines:

• mRNA vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna): Teach cells to make spike protein for immunity.

• Viral vector vaccines (J&J): Use a harmless virus to trigger an immune response.

Nursing Role in Infection Prevention

• Patient Education: Teach about hand hygiene, vaccines, and medication adherence.

• Early Detection: Monitor for infection signs (fever, fatigue, increased WBC count).

• Proper Antibiotic Use: Ensure patients complete their course to prevent resistance.

• Infection Control in Hospitals: Follow PPE and isolation guidelines to prevent HAIs.

Key Takeaways

• Infection is a complex process involving different pathogens and immune responses.

• Emerging infections (like COVID-19) challenge health care systems worldwide.

• Antimicrobial resistance threatens our ability to treat infections.

• Nurses are essential in infection control, prevention, and patient education.