Makindo Medical Notes

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients contract during their stay in a healthcare facility. These infections can complicate patient recovery and increase healthcare costs. Common HAIs include urinary tract infections (UTIs), surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.

Common Hospital Acquired Infections

Assessment of Hospital Acquired Infections

• Patient History: Collect a detailed history of the patient’s hospital stay, including surgical procedures, catheter use, ventilator use, and medication administration.
• Physical Examination: Regularly assess vital signs, check for signs of infection (e.g., fever, redness, swelling, discharge), and monitor wound healing or catheter insertion sites.
• Laboratory Tests: Perform blood cultures, urine cultures, wound swabs, and chest X-rays (if pneumonia is suspected) to identify potential pathogens and confirm the presence of infection.
• Infection Control Measures: Implement standard precautions such as proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation of infected patients when necessary.
• Monitor Antibiotic Use: Assess the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy to prevent overuse and the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria (e.g., MRSA, C. diff).
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of infection onset, management, and outcomes to identify trends and improve infection control protocols.