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 ... "

Tags:antibiotics, antimicrobials, perioperative nurses

Abstract
This paper examines the problem of medication errors and how they affect nursing, citing the case of the Quaid twins and reporting on the cost effectiveness of a computerized medication management system in correcting the problem. Six questions for future research are included.

From the Paper
"Medication errors are largely the result of human error and it is primarily considered the responsibility of the nurse delegated to administer medication. Such was the case when an experienced hospital nurse administered potassium chloride to a patient after checking the vial three separate times to be sure it was the drug prescribed which was Lasix. The patient died and a subsequent investigation found that the vial was labeled correctly and that the nurse had no explanation for the error."

Tags:medication errors, medical errors, nurse, Quaid, MedCenter, Sabal, procedures

Abstract
The paper looks at the medication reconciliation policies in the United States and analyzes and evaluates the use of the policy, its effectiveness, the efficiencies and inefficiencies in the system and makes suggestions wherever necessary to improve the policy. In this document, the author looks at many different aspects of the medication reconciliation policies - the document starts off by first describing and summarizing the policy that is in effect. Then the author goes on to critically analyze the objectives of the policy. In the third section the author then looks at who was behind the development of the policy and what interests if any those identified individuals and groups had on the development and the design of the said policy.

From the Paper
"The objective of this document is to take a close look at the medication reconciliation policies in the United States and analyze and evaluate the use of the policy, its effectiveness, the efficiencies and inefficiencies in the system and make suggestion wherever necessary to improve the policy. In this document the author looks at many different aspects of the medication reconciliation policies - the document starts off by first describing and summarizing the policy that is in effect. Then the author..."

Tags:medication, reconciliation, us

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to take a close look at the medication reconciliation policies in Canada and analyze and evaluate the use of the policy, its effectiveness, the efficiencies and inefficiencies in the system and make suggestions wherever necessary to improve the policy.

From the Paper
"The objective of this document is to take a close look at the medication reconciliation policies in Canada and analyze and evaluate the use of the policy, its effectiveness, the efficiencies and inefficiencies in the system and make suggestion wherever necessary to improve the policy. In this document, the author looks at many different aspects of the medication reconciliation policies - the document starts off by first describing and summarizing the policy that is in effect. Then the author goes on to critically analyze the objectives of the policy. In the third..."

Tags:medication, reconciliation, policy

Abstract
This report consisted of a review on automation and its effects on medication errors. The problem and other key terms were defined and its importance and scope was then discussed. The literature was then reviewed and it consisted of studies on the efficacy of information technologies generally as well as of studies pertaining to one specific type of technology-- the computerized physician, the prescription filling robot, etc. Offers conclusions and recommendations.

From the Paper
" The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention defines a medication error as follows: A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer. Such events may be related to professional practice health care products, procedures and systems including prescribing order communication product..."

Tags:automation, medication errors

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.""

Tags:antimicrobial, cardiology, disease

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."

Tags:antibiotic, medication, bacterial, infection, throat

Abstract
The paper provides an overview of the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and discusses the medications and therapies that are applicable including fluids, doses, reactions and reasons the medications or therapies are given.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Pharmacology

From the Paper
"Treatment of FeLV involves early identification and treatment geared toward eradication of the retroviral infection prior to the development of FeLV-related diseases although eradication of FeLV is quite difficult. Treatment regimens include administering of treatments that are focused on the reversal of viremia and the reduction of clinical signs that are associated with the FeLV infection. FeLV cats, when taken care of appropriately may live many years without developing diseases. This requires that the cat be kept indoors one-hundred percent of the time as well as stress and secondary infection avoidance. Administration of vaccines is stated to be based upon the associated risk to the cat in terms of rabies and other local required vaccinations, however, FeLV vaccinations have not been found in previous studies to be of any effect."

Tags:vaccinations, antimicrobials, infections, fluid, electrolyte, drugs

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."

Tags:spherical calcium, gingival sulcus, antimicrobial medication, biofilm