Abstract This paper discusses meningitis, an acute inflammation of the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. It examines eight different types: viral meningitis (aseptic meningitis), meningococcal meningitis, haemophilus meningitis, pneumococcal meningitis, neonatal meningitis, syphilitic meningitis, cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculous meningitis. For each type it looks at the infecting agent and incidence, disease course, symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, treatment and prevention.
From the Paper "Diagnosis usually hinges on lumbar puncture to obtain a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen. Levels of CSF protein and glucose and a CSF cell count help diagnose the condition, and culture and smear results may identify a causative organism. A computed tomography scan of the head and X-rays of the skull, sinuses, and chest may also help by showing evidence of old or current tuberculosis, a sinus infection, or brain abscess. If bacterial or fungal meningitis is known or suspected, initiate antimicrobial treatment depending on the organism. For viral meningitis, which is usually self-limited, provide supportive treatment, such as intravenous hydration."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that ancient Rome was ahead of its time in the practice of medicine. The writer points out that much of todays' modern practices of aseptic techniques of medicine came from the early Romans. The ancient Romans wanted to make sure their army was a healthy one and in order to do they used aseptic techniques for preventing disease and even conducted surgeries in which they used different types of pain medicines. The writer discusses that their medicine practice used different rituals, tools, and herbal-based medicines for their patients. The writer concludes that Roman physicians were very concerned with public health and preventing disease. Even though they were not licensed, they still did a great service to the citizens of Rome by helping families as well helping the military in times of war.
From the Paper "Prior to their contact with these cultures, the head of each Roman household would treat his family with various folk remedies and by asking for help from the appropriate Gods. Hippocrates brought the idea that there were four humors: yellow bile, black bile, blood, and phlegm. The Greeks also brought along the idea of neurosurgery to Ancient Rome. Early Roman surgeons would poke holes in the skull to relieve pain and pressure. These early brain surgeons also could reduce depressed cranial fractures. Greek doctors were often prisoners of war and Romans would buy them for their own households. Later, many of these Greeks were able to be freed men and were able to open up their own practices in Rome.
"The doctors of ancient Rome were not always highly regarded and the position was often considered a low social position."
From the Paper "Introduction
"Aseptic packaging is a process by which products are prepared for delivery to the consumer, in a state in which such foods are free of pathogenic microorganisms. This research presents a review of the recent literature relevant to the aseptic packaging of processed foods.
MICROBIAL ORGANISMS
Microbial organisms are ubiquitous by nature, occupying, as they do, many different ecological niches. Microbial organisms are classified into five groups, according to basic cellular structure. The five classifications are as follows:
1. Protozoa. Protozoa are unicellular organisms with a definite nucleus, vacuoles, and mitochondria (Cheng, 1987).
2. Algae. Algae are simple plants with cell walls..."
Abstract The history of surgery involves the discovery and evolution of medical technology, concepts, and systems, which have their origins dating back thousands of years. This paper shows that while the early considerations of supernatural methods of healing were the standard for the time, work by Hippocrates, Galen, Louis Pasteur, and Joseph Lister helped transform medicine into an implementable science. The course of surgical history involved little change for many centuries, but with the industrial revolutions following the Renaissance, significant developments in aseptic technique for surgical sterility, methods of anesthetic administration, the instruments and computerized technology used in surgery, and the surgical methods themselves have provided modern day patients with innovative systems of surgical treatments that optimize safety and comfort. The paper comments that considering how far medicine and surgical advancements have come, it is unfathomable what the future of surgery holds in store for us.
From the Paper "In 1867, Joseph Lister, a medical doctor and professor of surgery at Edinburgh in London, determined that methods of scrupulous cleanliness should be followed during a surgical procedure. He employed the use of carbolic or phenic acid in a dressing to destroy the "floating particles" discovered by Pasteur. Carbolic acid is a volatile organic compound with destructive properties, capable of eliminating lower microbes, which, at the time, was the most powerful form of antiseptic known. Previous to the use of antiseptics it was thought that the inflammatory influences on tissue, coupled with blood decomposition at the site, were the factors motivating tissue decomposition. Thus, eliminating bacteria at the wound or surgical site through the use of antiseptics proved to rule out both the air-exposure theory and the inflammatory tissue consideration."
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."
Abstract This paper discusses Joseph Lister's understanding of the importance of asepsis in patient morbidity and mortality and Florence Nightingale's hygienic improvements that dramatically improved the mortality rate. The paper then looks at modern medical institutions where, ironically, aseptic protocols are violated routinely by medical professionals, who allow a loss of professional focus to jeopardize patient health and welfare. The paper also focuses on the need for multiculturalism in holistic nursing and asserts that it should be part and parcel of 21st century nursing education.
Outline:
Historical Perspective
The Personal Commitment to Quality Patient Care and Excellence in Holistic Nursing
Multiculturalism in Holistic Nursing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Without a doubt, the first extraordinarily important new era of medicine began shortly after the close of the American Civil War, with Joseph Lister's introduction of the Germ Theory of disease, because it led directly to the understanding of the critical importance of asepsis in patient morbidity and mortality. However, increasingly aseptic hospital environments had already saved hundreds of thousands of lives in hospitals receiving battlefield casualties toward the end of the war, a full two years before Lister's historic announcement in 1867 (Starr, 1984)."
