Nursing interventions to manage community-acquired clostridium difficile-associated disease

Abstract

A review of literature related to community-acquired Clostridium difficile- associated disease (CA-CDAD) was conducted. Information was collected from Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) and MEDLINE-EBSCOhost databases. Clinical practice recommendations were obtained from the CDC. Studies were examined for epidemiology of infection due to C. difficile in the community and interventions to reduce transmission. Findings demonstrated a mirroring of to CA-CDAD to community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Multiple studies found underlying gastrointestinal disorders and use of cephalosporin antibiotics to be a risk factor. Another identified risk factor was use of gastric acid suppressive drugs. Also, no particular C. difficile strain was more likely to cause recurrence. Many positive cases for CA-CDAD lacked traditional risk factors such as recent antibiotic exposure. To reduce transmission of community-acquired MRSA the CDC recommends MRSA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft skin tissue infections. Clinicians should also collect specimens for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing from all patients with abscesses. The CDC recommends clinicians should teach their patients to limit transmission and ask about similar cases in household members and close contacts. Therefore, to reduce transmission of CA-COAD, Clostridium difficile- associated disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea. Clinicians should collect specimens for culture based on patient history & current clinical presentation for patients with diarrhea. It is important that patients be taught the proper hygiene and cleaning protocols to reduce transmission

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2010

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Ark, Pamela

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022587

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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