Question

The infection control nurse has traced the spread of a nosocomial infection to a computer keyboard on a hospital unit. It is located in a work area adjacent to four patient rooms. This computer is routinely used by staff for documentation, to check laboratory and radiology results, and to access reference materials. The infection control nurse has asked the unit director and staff to identify strategies to eliminate this problem.

Identify two measures that can help to eliminate this problem.

Answer 1

1. Infected hands are the greatest cause of spreading nosocomial infection. We can stop the nosocomial infection by following the proper technique of hand wash using 7 steps.

Always remember the 5 golden moments of handwashing I.e Before touching the patient, before doing any procedure, After touching the patient, after exposure to body fluids of the patient and after touching patient soundings.

2. The use of PPE (Personal protective equipment) can dramatically reduce the spread of infection. Use gloves and gown while visiting the patient and discard it after living patient soundings.

Choose PPE according to the patient's condition, as an example use a mask while visiting a Tuberculosis patient and use gown and glove while giving care to a burn patient.

Always remember to change PPE while visiting another patient.