Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide Another infectious disease type with a few different modes of transmission is nosocomial infection . These are infections that patients acquire during hospitalization. The modes of transmission can be lack of hand washing by medical personnel, contaminated instruments or needles, or a current infectious disease not being isolated properly in hospitals. This is why hand washing is the number one defense against the spread of infection. Vector borne infections: • Lyme disease • Encephalitis (mosquito-borne) Nosocomial infections: • MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) • VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus) Other contagious infections: • Staphylococcal Infections • Scabies • Rabies Complications of Infectious Diseases Without proper and prompt treatment, infectious diseases can have serious complications. In babies, young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, complications could often be fatal. Any infections, whether viral or bacterial, need to be evaluated by a physician, treated promptly, and monitored closely for changes or worsening of symptoms. Septic shock (gram-negative bacteremia), meningitis, and rheumatic fever are all results of an overwhelming infection in the body. At Risk Populations for Infectious Disease Communicable diseases can affect anyone at any time. There are populations in society that are at higher risk of complications from certain infectious diseases. It is important for nurses to look at certain populations in regard to developing a care plan and giving the most appropriate care. The at-risk populations for serious complications include: • Newborn infants • Small children under the age of five • Anyone with chronic health conditions • People on immunosuppressant medications • Health care workers

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