Abstract This paper looks at the reasons for antimicrobial prophylaxis. The writer demonstrates the role played by nurses in making sure that antimicrobial prophylaxis is carried out according to recommended dosing, timing and use of appropriate medications. This article also explores the role the nurse can play in ensuring sepsis in the surgical environment by being a leader and teacher in this field.
From the Paper "In January the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) issued a Sentinel Event Alert regarding acquired infections. The report presented distressing news regarding iatrogenic infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated more than two million hospitalized patients contract iatrogenic infections in the United States every year and as many as of them die from these infections. Surgical site infections (SSI's) are the second most common cause of nosocomial infections and up to two percent to five percent of patients undergoing clean extra abdominal ... "
Abstract This paper discusses the heart disease called infective endocarditis (IE). The paper presents the statistics available regarding the amount of deaths caused by heart diseases and claims that infective endocarditis can be held accountable for many of these deaths. The paper reviews an article, "Infective Endocarditis" written by Philippe Moreillon and published in "The Lancet". The paper contends that the purpose of the article is is to help physicians and medical personnel properly identify the new at-risk groups of endocarditis, to teach a method of diagnosing the disease and to provide them with an overall understanding of IE and the new developments in antimicrobial agents.
From the Paper "The National Center for Health Statistics, a department of the Center for Disease Control, publishes an annual report on the causes of deaths in the United States. In every study since the start of the program, it was found that diseases of the heart have been the leading cause of death. In the last survey published, the 2001 issue, 245.8 of every 100,000 people, 700,142 total deaths, were caused by heart diseases (3). Infective Endocarditis can be held accountable for many of these deaths. By compiling patient data from 1993-2003, the author of "Infective Endocarditis", Philippe Moreillon, found that the median range of incidence for infective endocarditis was 3.6 per 100,000 people (range .3 - 22.4) with a median mortality rate of 16% (range 11-26). Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and the diagnosis and treatment of complications, bacterial endocarditis continues to be responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreillon states that "this apparent paradox results from a progressive change in risk factors for infective endocarditis.""
Examines resistance to antimicrobial agents. Discusses reasons for their spreadability, genetic transfer and mutation. Examines the use of prescription & broad spectrum drugs and patient compliance.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, 1997, $ 63.95
From the Paper " BACTERIA & ANTIBIOTICS
Introduction
Lele (1991) reports that non-response to drugs is a problem that all clinicians face. The cause may be due to resistance of the invading micro-organism or the drug used, drug dose, frequency, duration, and administration, or inadequate patient compliance.
Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms
Antibiotics have been found to reduce mortality from infectious diseases, however, the prevalence of these diseases remains. It is hypothesized that use and misuse of antimicrobial agents facilitates the evolution of bacterial resistance which results in therapeutic failure. This trend is due to new resistance mechanisms and the spreading of well-characterized.."
Abstract This paper discusses the common causes and diagnostics of these two throat diseases. It focuses on the concern over the over-prescription of antibiotics in treating upper respiratory infections (URIs) and tonsillitis. It discusses clinical concerns and possible complications, as well as morbidity and mortality rates. It concludes with other suggested treatments.
Antimicrobial Overuse in Standard Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
Causes and Diagnostic Complications
Clinical Concerns
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Morbidity and Mortality Rates
Symptoms of GAS Pharyngitis
Diagnostics then Treatment
Streptococcal Tonsillitis
Symptomology
Alternate Causal Factors
Primary Causal Factors
Standard Diagnostic Tests
Conclusions
From the Paper "While appropriate antibiotic treatment of group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis leads to more rapid resolution of symptoms and helps prevent rheumatic fever, antibiotic treatment of acute pharyngitis caused by organisms other than GAS is of negligible clinical value, exposes patients to the risk of complications from antibiotic therapy, and promotes emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Therefore, the pertinent clinical issue in the evaluation of patients with acute pharyngitis is the differentiation of GAS infection from other causes.
Additionally, growing concerns over bacterial resistance make monitoring acute tonsillitis with throat swabs for culture and sensitivity an important endeavor. Relying only on clinical criteria, such as the presence of exudate, erythema, fever, and lymphadenopathy, is not an accurate method for distinguishing GABHS from viral tonsillitis."
Abstract This paper discusses the classification, structure and functioning of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The paper presents the methods of reproduction and mechanisms of pathogenesis, and then lists the antimicrobial agents used against them. For each case, the paper highlights one disease and discusses the laboratory diagnosis.
From the Paper "Bacteria are prokaryotes, i.e. they do not have their DNA enclosed in a nucleus. They are among the earliest life forms that appeared on Earth billions of years ago and helped change the environment, creating oxygen which enabled higher forms to evolve..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the issue of children washing their hands. According to the paper, handwashing is part of personal hygiene that should be taught not only at home, but also at school. The paper goes on to discuss how handwashing is an imperative part of disease prevention.
From the Paper "A hand-washing educational plan based on the health care principle of prevention and health promotion can be created using models provided by organizations such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Food Service Management Institute, and The School Network for Absenteeism Prevention. First, a team of primary participants should be chosen. When selecting team members, it is important to consider who will be ready and able to motivate school staff, students, and parents, as well as who is already committed to good handwashing. Second, a needs assessment should be conducted, determining how handwashing can be improved in the school. This step should include identifying the challenges to good handwashing habits. Third, an action plan for handwashing education must be developed. This step will include identifying the audience (elementary school students, school staff, etc.), goals, tasks for individual team members, and the budget. Fourth, the plan must be implemented. "
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the raindrop technique of applying essential oils was developed in the 1980s by D. Gary Young. The writer explains that he based his research on the use of essential oils as antimicrobial agents, inspired by information that he learned from Lakota Elder, Black Elk. The writer explains that the raindrop technique continues to grow in popularity on a global basis. Further, the writer looks at the uses of essential oils and then examines the raindrop technique. The writer concludes that the most important factor to consider when one wishes to enter into any type of healing practice is that each and every client is different, as they all have different sensitivities and needs.
Outline:
History and Overview of the Raindrop Technique
Steps Involved in the Raindrop Technique
Essential Oils and Their Uses
Results and Discussion
Works Cited
From the Paper "After this experience, Young decided to study herbology, natural medicine, and acupuncture, among others. He pursued his research across the globe and was eventually able to walk ability to walk again. Even though he could walk, it was painful. This pain was the key that led him to discover essential oils. Within a very short time, Young was able to eliminate this pain that had been his for nearly 13 years. From this time forward, Young devoted his life to the study of essential oils. This study eventually led him to embark on a worldwide search for information."
"During the mid-1980s, Young traveled the world investigating traditional and modern uses of essential oils. Young was able to perfect every phase of oil production and began producing his own high quality essential oils. In 1993, he bought his own farm for the production of lavender, peppermint, lemon balm, clary sage, and other herbs of use. In 1995, he was invited to speak at a United Nations conference about organic farming."
Abstract This paper explains that streptococcus mutans are the main bacteria that cause dental cavities, which can advance to the gums to form periodontal disease. The paper also explains that dental cavities are caused by streptococcus mutans and lactic acid bacteria, which perform malolactic fermentation on tooth. The paper concludes that, though various drugs are available for this illness, it is better to take precaution to stop the colonization of these bacteria through proper care of the mouth and early diagnose of dental disease.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Information on Streptococcus Mutans
Name
Classification of Streptococcus Mutans
Structure of Streptococcus Mutans
How to identify Streptococcus Mutans
Details of the Disease
Historical Significance
Historical significance of Dental Cavities
Historical Significance of Periodontal Disease
Causes
Causes of Dental Cavities
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of Dental Cavities
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Treatment
Treatment of Dental Cavities
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Streptococcus Mutans and its Connection to Dental Cavities and Periodontal Disease
Where Research in the Field may be Going
Emergence of Resistant Strains to the Disease of Dental Cavities and Periodontal Disease
Development of new Drugs for treating Dental Cavities and Periodontal Disease
Conclusion
From the Paper "The shape of a bacterium is used to determine its name. Since Streptococcus mutans is of a spherical shape, the bacteria were named as coccus. The major genera of Streptococci were named as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Another name associated with Streptococci is diplococcoi though a change by a gram negative in its feature would put them in a completely different genus like Neisseria or Branhamella. Streptococci are also found in other forms though the major shapes are in the form of a small comma known as Vibrios and a spiral shape known as Treponema."
Abstract There has been extensive documentation on hospital-acquired infections, and of these, catheter-associated urinary tract infections are the most common. In fact, catheter-related infections account for up to 40% of nosocomial infections. Among those with nosocomial urinary tract infections, 10-20% of patients had genitourinary or urological manipulation, while 80% had placement of a permanent urethral catheter. Despite the significant contribution of urethral catheterization, many patients are inserted with a urinary catheter upon admission to the emergency department without proper justification. The author of the paper suggests a protocol that is evidence-based and that provides evidence that supports the proper identification of patients who must undergo catheterization and limits this to those patients only.
Outline:
Introduction
Define the Problem
Critique Research: Review of Related Literature
Evidence-based Practice Plan
Bibliography
From the Paper "Unlike the intact genitourinary system, indwelling catheters have no innate defense mechanism; hence, biofilm formation occurs. Biofilms consist of microorganisms that adhere together, along with host urinary components such as proteins, electrolytes, and other organic molecules (Trautnere and Daraouiche, 2004). More bacteria attach to this material and thrive on them. Biofilms are found within the catheter lumen and on the external surface of the catheter. Biofilms are difficult to eradicate because they are able to resist being swept away by simple shear forces, resist phagocytosis, and resist antimicrobial agents. Therefore, they continuously flourish until microorganisms reach pathologic levels. The presence of biofilms and their resistance to conventional treatment supports the fact that catheters should be avoided or removed the soonest time possible to reduce the exposure on biofilm infections (Crosby, 2005). Current recommendations for short-term catheterization make use of indwelling catheters that are made of latex rubber, siliconized latex, or plastic. However, it seems that none of these are impervious to biofilm formation. Therefore, it is only rational and supported by studies that catheters are limited only to those who need it."
