Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

1.6 Modes of Transmission: Vector Borne, Nosocomial, and Other Contagious Infections Vector Borne Infections Vector borne infections are infections that result from a bite of a tick, mosquito, or other insect that feeds on human hosts. The insect carries a virus that is transmitted to the host and causes illness. The two most common are encephalitis, which is usually caused by the West Nile Virus carried by mosquitoes, and Lyme disease, which is carried by ticks. Lyme Disease Lyme disease was discovered in Lyme, Connecticut after a large number of children came down with symptoms of the disease. Lyme disease causes a wide range of symptoms affecting many different areas of the body. The causative organism is borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete. After a tick bite that is infected with this disease, it takes approximately 30 days for symptoms to appear. Borrelia can be treated with courses of strong antibiotics, but is difficult to eliminate. Because of this, patients need to be strict with medication compliance and finish the full course of antibiotics. It is also important to teach prevention in heavy tick areas such as the Northwest, Mid-West, West Coast, and areas that havewoods. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease: • Red circular rash around bite (bullseye rash) • Fever • Joint pain • Fatigue • Lymphadenopathy • Myalgia • Headache • Stiff neck • Cardiac issues • Dizziness • Arthritis • Neurological and cognitive symptoms Nursing assessment for Lyme disease: • Head to toe general assessment o Assess neurological status o Check temperature o Skin assessment: check for bullseye circular rash, check for ticks embedded in skin o Check range of motion to joints • Inquire about exposure: travel to wooded or tick infested areas or animals inhome • Ask about symptoms, their duration and severity

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