Infectious/Communicable Disorders Flashcards
What contributes to an infants increased risk of infection?
- decreased inflammatory response
- losing passive immunity acquired from maternal antibodies
Cellular Immunity
functional at birth
Humoral Immunity
occurs when the body encounters and then develops immunity to new diseases
Types of Infectious Diseases
- bacterial infections
- viral infections
- zoonotic infections
- vector-borne infections
- parasitic and helminthic infections
- STI’s
What are some methods of preventing infectious diseases?
- hand washing
- adequate immunizations
- proper handling/preparing of food
- judicious antibiotic use
What info is obtained in a health history?
- any known exposure to infectious diseases
- history of immunizations and diseases
- fever, sore throat
- lethargy, malaise
- poor feeding or decreased appetite
- vomiting, diarrhea, cough, rash
Inspection and Observation
skin, mouth, throat, and hair for lesions and wounds
hydration status and vitals
Palpation
- palpate skin for temp, turgor, moisture
- palpate rash
- palpate lymph nodes
Infection stimulates the release of what?
endogenous pyrogens
Pyrogens
act on the hypothalamus and trigger prostaglandin production, which increases the body’s set temperature
What triggers the cold response?
Prostaglandins
Cold Response
- shivering
- vasoconstriction
- decrease in peripheral perfusion
- fever occurs as a result
What are the Common Lab tests for infectious diseases?
- CBC
- ESR
- CRP
- Blood, stool, urine, wound, throat cultures
- Nasal swabs
We do not begin antibiotics until after we have what?
ordered cultures to be taken
C-Reactive Protein
measures the type of protein produced in the liver that is present during episodes of acute inflammation
CBC-Complete Blood Count
evaluates white blood cell count
ESR-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
determines the presence of inflammation or infection
Blood Culture and Sensitivity
detects the presence of bacteria or yeast and what antibiotics that are sensitive to
Common Treatment for Infectious Disorders
hydration
fever reduction
Common Medications for Infectious Disorders
- antibiotics
- antivirals
- antipyretics
- antipruritic
Antipyretics
treats only the fever associated with the illness
How often should you assess the temp?
- q 4-6 hours
- 30-60 minutes after medicine is given
- with any change in condition
How to Manage Fever
- use same site/device for temp measurement
- administer antipyretics per order
- notify doc of temp per institution or specific order
- assess fluid I/O’s and encourage oral intake or administer intravenous fluids
- keep linen and clothing clean and dry
When should the parent notify the doctor?
- any child younger than 3 months w/ rectal temp above 38 C/100.4 F
- any child lethargic or listless
- fever lasting more than 3-5 days
- fever greater than 40.6 C/105 F
- any child immunocompromised
Nursing Interventions to Promote Comfort
- assess pain ad response to interventions
- administer meds as ordered
- apply cool compress or baths to areas of pruritis
- provide fluids frequently
- provide cool mist
- dress in light cloths
- use diversional activity/distraction
Nursing Interventions to Promote Skin Integrity
- monitor skin for changes in temp, redness, swelling, warmth, pain, infection, changes in rash
- encourage fluid intake and proper nutrition
- keep fingernails short
- encourage to press instead of scratch
- use antipruritic and topical ointment
Sepsis
systemic overresponse to infection resulting from bacteria, fungi, viruses, rickettsia, or parasites