ROLE OF THE NURSE IN PREVENTION OF INFECTIONS IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE AND THERAPY IN JZUUK GAK

Abstract

Intrahospital infections are a very common occurrence in the healthcare system today, and are a major problem for patients and healthcare personnel. Intrahospital infections are defined as infections that develop in the hospital itself, which are caused by microorganisms that can be in the room where the patient is staying, on medical devices, transmitted by medical personnel with inadequate equipment for working with patients and improper hand washing, as well as disinfection, the use of disposable gloves, masks and disposable equipment. Intrahospital infections, depending on the type and location, begin to manifest within 48 - 72 hours after the patient's admission, during their hospitalization.
The most common intrahospital infections by type can be urinary infection transmitted through a contaminated catheter, pneumonia that occurs in intubated patients, bacteremia or sepsis that occurs through vascular catheters, surgical infection occurs most often after surgery, gastrointestinal infections occur after the use of an excessive dose of antibiotics.
The most common microorganisms that cause intrahospital infections are: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA, Enterococcus, Candida spp, Norovirus, Influenza, COVID - 19.
The diagnosis of intrahospital infections is made with a clinical picture, laboratory tests and microbiological tests. Intrahospital infections are examined through blood culture, urine, sputum and swabs. Treatment is carried out according to cultures with antibiotic therapy, replacement of new catheters, oxygen, antipyretics, all in order to cure the patient and prevent further complications.
The nurse is on the front line in contact with patients, medical procedures and the hospital environment.
The nurse will reduce the spread of hospital-acquired infections if she maintains strict hand hygiene, isolates infected patients, is careful with the use of antibiotics in patients, rationally distributes therapy, disinfects equipment and disinfects rooms, regularly attends training on the prevention of hospital-acquired infections, seminars, hospital campaigns, and listens to advice and recommendations from the WHO.
The nurse should properly disinfect stethoscopes, thermometers, beds, etc., and checks materials for sterility. The nurse should recognize early signs and symptoms of infections in order to promptly begin treatment for these patients.
The nurse educates patients and their families about hand hygiene, gives them advice on wound care.
The nurse, through professionalism, discipline, and education, directly contributes to patient safety and the reduction of hospital-acquired infections and complications.