Abstract
This paper examines the simplest way to prevent urinary tract infection.The paper further discusses the use of health determinants to determine the effectiveness of prevention.

From the Paper
"Urinary tract infection is the most common nosocomial infection in hospitals and long-term care facilities. It can result from contaminated bed-sheets, floors, and bedside chairs. Three-quarters of all such infections are related to urethral catheters (Bridger, 1997). Prevention of urinary tract infections is not just a professional duty of the nurse, but also is a legal, ethical, and moral duty. "

Tags:infection, prevention, nursing

Abstract
This paper gives a comprehensive review of several articles which discuss safe strategies for preventing infection in a hospital setting. According one article, safe sharps management can and must lead to the prevention of infections to patients, staff, and visitors to healthcare facilities. It further examines how safe, well-thought-out procedures and policies are necessary in hospitals and clinics, so that individuals in and near the healthcare activity could not be inadvertently exposed to infections from blood-borne pathogens. Another articles cites various precautions necessary to protect individuals from infection. Complications associated with migrating catheters are also addressed in the paper, with an article recommending the use of an effective stabilization device because it allows movement. The paper takes a look at an article about the importance of washing hands, especially if they were exposed to blood. The paper concludes by stating that the seriousness of the infection-related healthcare issues should get the attention of not only nurses and doctors, but of administrators as well.

TOC:

Introduction
Summary of Article
Nurse's Knowledge
Migrating Catheters
Washing "Bloody" Hands
Self-Improvement
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Indeed, in the entire British healthcare system - and likely in Australia and the United States as well - nurses were the group with the highest percentage of sharps injuries. Still, avoidable blood-borne infections are being reported on a regular basis in hospitals and clinics - in fact between 2002 and 2005 the number of reported occupational exposures to blood borne infections increased by 49 percent (Aziz 92). And the data shows, "about half" of those infections due to accidental exposure were reported by nurses, Aziz writes on page 92. What is needed the writers assert is local protocols that can be posted in all healthcare facilities - and published in all workplace-related brochures, newsletters, and other materials that nursing and other clinical staff have access to."

Tags:catheters, sharps injuries, blood-borne infections, hospital infections

Abstract
The paper relates that hepatitis B is known as the most serious of common liver infections in the world. The paper describes the symptoms of the hepatitis B virus and examines the transmission of the infection, who is most at risk of being infected by this virus and the factors that affect the chances of being infected by the chronic form of the virus. Finally, the paper looks at the diagnosis, treatment and costs of this disease.

Outline:
Introduction
Symptoms
Transmission and Range of the Infection
Diagnosis, Treatment and Costs

From the Paper
"Hepatitis B should be understood as an infection that is related to the general diagnoses of and category of Hepatitis. Hepatitis generally refers to a condition of the inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can be the result of various disorders of the immune system as well as a result of alcohol abuse. However, Hepatis B refers specifically to the above mentioned viral infection. (Hepatitis B Overview) The seriousness of this infection is evidenced by the fact that "...about twenty-five percent of adults who become chronically infected during childhood later die from liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) caused by the chronic infection." (Hepatitis B: WHO) Another important aspect to consider in this disease is that this virus is estimated by the World Health Organization to be between fifty to one-hundred times more infectious than the HIV or AIDS virus. (Hepatitis B: WHO) It is also known to be a serious occupational hazard for many health workers in regions where this disease is prevalent.
"Hepatitis B also varies in terms of its severity and can manifest itself as a mild illness which may last for a few weeks in its acute phase and can develop into a serious and debilitating long term chronic illness. (Viral Hepatitis) The acute or short term phase of the disease usually occurs shortly after exposure to the virus. The more severe life-threatening form of acute Hepatitis B is known as fulminant hepatitis."

Tags:liver, transmission

Abstract
This paper explains that the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a nosocomial pathogen, is an epidemiological problem, which can have its source in the community and health care settings. The author relates the epidemiology of MRSA in relation to agent, host, environment, web of causation and its natural history. The paper underscores that MRSA infection presents a serious epidemiological problem because not only are new strains appearing but also a number of nosocomial MRSA infections are known to have their source in the community setting, which causes the route of transmission to remain a mystery. The author stresses that improved strategies to control and manage MRSA infection continue to be sought.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agent
Host
Environment
Web of Causation
Natural History
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Environmental factors play a very significant role in the transmission of MRSA. For example, when health care providers acquire an MRSA infection, family members of these workers and other staff members can then become infected not only from direct contact but also from environmental sites such as chairs, phones, or computer keyboards. Transmission of MRSA is also facilitated when the environment has been contaminated with toxin-producing strains. As a consequence, it is essential that prevention and control measures include cleaning of the hospital environment."

Tags:nosocomial, intensive care unit, hands management elderly

Abstract
The paper looks at how Papatheodoridis, Manolakopoulos, Dusheiko, and Archimandritis (2008) examined the various treatment options for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection that include standard and pegylated interferon alfa and additional antiviral agents, including lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, and telbivudine (Papatheodoridis et al., 2007). The paper relates that these treatments can either consist of long-term treatments that aim to maintain remission or therapies of finite duration that attempt to achieve sustained off-therapy responses. The paper discusses how for patients with chronic HBV infection, oral antivirals are the sole long-term treatment. Additionally, the paper notes that Papatheodoridis et al. (2008) reports that viral suppression has a favorable effect on patient's outcome and transforms the natural history and evolution of the illness, thus, viral resistance is the negative aspect of long-term antiviral therapy.

From the Paper
"Papatheodoridis, Manolakopoulos, Dusheiko, and Archimandritis (2008) examined the various treatment options for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. These include standard and pegylated interferon alfa and additional antiviral agents, including lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, and telbivudine (Papatheodoridis et al., 2007). These treatments can either consist of long-term treatments that aim to maintain remission or therapies of finite duration that attempt to achieve sustained off-therapy responses. For patients with chronic HBV infection, oral antivirals are the sole long-term treatment."

Tags:hepatitis, hbv, oral agents

Abstract
The first two pages of this assignment take the form of a SOAP note, which is a very objective and complete account of the condition, history and future treatment options for a 33 year-old patient presenting with symptoms commonly associated with an upper respiratory infection. The rest of the paper serves a justification for the treatment strategy.

From the Paper
"A 33 year-old patient presents with symptoms commonly associated with an upper respiratory infection; runny nose with a yellow nasal discharge that has persisted for two days and a sore throat that is worse in the morning."

Tags:uri, antibiotics, treatment

Abstract
This paper explores the topic of MRSA, strains of staphylococcus aureus (SA) that are resistant to methicillin (MR) and related drugs. It looks at how, most commonly, MRSA is transmitted between individuals by direct contact and hand-washing between the care of residents is the most effective means to prevent the spread of this bacteria. It analyzes the isolation protocol for infected individuals, as well as standard precautions, such as changing gloves after each patient and good hand-washing techniques. In particular, it discusses the controversy over the role of the nursing homes and their patients in the epidemiology of MRSA.

From the Paper
"It is recommended that the patient be isolated and quarantined but this is not absolutely necessary. The patient can also be kept in the same room as another patient who is known to have MRSA. Gloves and good hand washing are compulsory. The doctor or the nurse should wear a gown whenever there is a chance that a contact with the patient's wound is inevitable. This prevents infectivity of the doctor's outfit that can touch other patients and or utensils and thus spread the infection. It is probably safe to carry the patient to areas such as showers and cafeterias when the wound is covered and protected. The patient no longer needs to be in isolation after the infection has been completely cured."

Tags:ltfc, bacteria, infection, staphylococcus, aureus, methicillin

Abstract
This paper discusses how information supplied by web sites and other informal sources may not necessarily provide adequate or even reliable treatment of disease and its prevention. In particular, it looks at how the information provided by Hawaii Health Guide.com (2006), contains omissions and leads to many questions. That information is critically assessed in light of what scholarly journals provide on the topic of staph infections caused by staphylococcus aureus. This paper also discusses effects of s. aureau bacteria beyond infections, how staph becomes resistant to antibiotics and how science is attempting to overcome antibiotic resistance. Prevention and treatment is also discussed.

From the Paper
"According to the Hawaii Health Guide.com (2006), staph infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are potentially in every aspect of the environment but occur when the skin is broken or punctured. Most importantly, according to the article, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria thrive in Hawaii's sultry summer heat. The article also notes that the risk of infection is highest in hospitals because of open wounds and tubes, as well as in other institutions such as nursing homes where people tend to have poor health. In fact, resistant staph is most prevalent among the homeless, in prisons, and in other populations of high density. The common features of such institutions are compromised or lack of hygiene."

Tags:Staphylococcus, aureus, bacteria

Abstract
In this article, the writer assesses information in light of what scholarly journals provide on the topic of staph infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The writer also discusses effects of S. aureau bacteria beyond infections. The writer discusses how staph becomes resistant to antibiotics and how science is attempting to overcome antibiotic resistance. Prevention and treatment are discussed, especially recent research to fight staph infection.

From the Paper
"Information supplied by web sites and other informal sources may not necessarily provide adequate or even reliable treatment of disease and its prevention. The information provided by Hawaii Health Guide.com (2006), for instance, contains omissions and leads to many questions. That information will be critically ..."

Tags:infection, staph, prevention

Abstract
The paper explains that the three main types of diabetes are type 1, which is usually found among children and young adults, type 2, which is usually associated with obesity in teenagers and adults, and gestational diabetes, which is related to pregnancy. The author stresses that often types 2 diabetes goes undiagnosed, yet it can lead to serious complications; therefore, knowing the symptoms of diabetes is important. The paper points out that, when diabetes is left untreated or not treated properly, serious complications can develop, such as damage to the retina, kidneys and nerves. The author relates that several types of medications are available depending on the person, type of diabetes and blood sugar levels.

Table of Contents:
Definition of Diabetes
Symptoms of Diabetes
Review of Diabetes in the Past and Present
Medications
Complications of Diabetes

From the Paper
"The National Institute of Health has created a fact sheet showing how the medical world has made changes from the past to the present. Thirty years ago, or in the 1950's, twenty percent of the people diagnosed with diabetes Type I would die within twenty years after first being diagnosed. Now, only 3.5 percent of people diagnosed with the disease die within twenty years of the diagnosis. Thirty years ago, researchers did not know the importance of glucose control to prevent debilitating eye, nerve, kidney, heart, and blood vessel complications of the diseases. "

Tags:autoimmune pancreas infection, blood sugar, glucose