A nosocomial infection is one that a patient develops in a hospital and is not present in the patient upon admission. Because hospitals are centers that care for sick and injured people, various viruses and forms of bacteria from patients are all lurking within the building. Additionally, patients have less immunity to protect themselves against disease, increasing the risk of contamination.
Identification
Nosocomial illnesses can range from a minor infection to sickness that causes patient death. Most infections occur in the hospital setting through invasive procedures, such as catheter insertion or surgery. Virginia Commonwealth University states that almost 45 percent of nosocomial infections occur in intensive care units.
Hand Washing
According to Ruth LeTexier, RN, BSN, PHN, of Infection Control Today, hand washing is the single most significant step for preventing the spread of bacteria. Because the hands are a common route of transmission of germs between patients, hand washing removes many of these germs before they are spread. Wash hands before touching a patient; after removing gloves used during a procedure; after touching objects that may be contaminated; and before examining the next patient. Hand washing also protects health care workers from contracting illness from hospitalized patients.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer permits health care workers to clean their hands between patients without washing with soap and water. Hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, kill bacteria on contact and dry quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is more effective than soap and water in some cases. Washing with soap and water is required when hands are visibly soiled; and when working with patients who have certain infections, such as anthrax or Clostridium difficile.
Technique
Technique is an important aspect of hand washing and is essential to remove microorganisms. Using warm water, wet your hands with soap and work into a lather. Vigorously rub your hands together, reaching all surfaces, including the palms and backs of hands, between the fingers and around the fingernails. Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Rinse hands under warm water and dry with a paper towel. After drying, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet to prevent clean hands from touching a contaminated surface.
Surgery
Nosocomial infections can occur during surgery because the patient is exposed to germs that can directly invade the body through a surgical site. According to Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, surgical site infections are the most common form of nosocomial infections, affecting between 300,000 and 500,000 people annually. To reduce the risk of nosocomial infections related to surgery, hand washing before the procedure is required using a bactericidal formula and scrubbing the hands, wrists and forearms up to the elbows for approximately five minutes. Remove all jewelry and watches prior to scrubbing to prevent interference with cleaning or collection of bacteria.
