Infection Control Flashcards
What types of treatment are used for infection control?
Systemic antibiotic therapy and topical medications
Why are broad spectrum antibiotics avoided?
Usage could lead to super infections or secondary infections and even sepsis
Will broad spectrum antibiotics be used until the wounds are cultured?
yes
Should wound cultures be collected before start of antibiotics?
yes
When giving Mycin what do we worry about?
- Bun and creat (nephrotoxic)
- Hearing loss (ototoxicity)
When giving mycin antibiotics if BUN and creat are increasing, assume what?
Nephrotoxicity
With topical medications if there is reduced blood flow to the burned area the delivery of antibiotics to the tissues could be what?
reduced
Silver impregnated dressings provide broad antimicrobial effects to the burn by delivering what?q
Uniform amount of silver to the wound
Dressings can be left in place for how long depending on the clients clinical situation?
3-14 days
What are common topical drugs use with burns?
- Mafenide acetate
- Silver nitrate
- Antimicrobial ointments
Why should topical antibiotic drugs be alternated?
So bacteria don’t build resistance or tolerance
How do you apply topical agents to a burn?
apply a thing layer using sterile gloves
Burn clients are at high risk for infection so what techniques is crucial when caring for them?
asepsis
