Prevention of infection on the oncology unit.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1981. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Prevention of infection on the oncology unit.

Nurs Clin North Am. 1980 Dec;15(4):843-55. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/81100769
Crane LR; Emmer DR; Grguras A

Abstract: Various combinations of immune deficiency, tumor effect, surgery, ionizing radiation, chemotherapy, and neutropenia result in infection-prone states for hospitalized cancer patients. Recognition of nosocomial infection may be difficult, and fever may be the only finding. Pathogens may be exogenously acquired from the contaminated hospital environment. Transmission by contact with hospital personnel is the usual mode of exogenous acquisition of hospital bacteria, and handwashing is the most effective means of prevention. The utility of conventional protective isolation in prevention of exogenous transmission is in question. Inattention to infection control measures by nurses and physicians may result in higher infection rates and more serious types of infections. Endogenous infection by the patient's own bacteria and fungi also occurs in the cancer ward. Autoinfection is amplified by the use of cannulae, catheters, and other hospital devices. Meticulous nursing care, particularly in neutropenic persons, is important in reducing the incidence of endogenous spread of microbes. Exogenous and endogenous infections in neutropenic patients are reduced using laminar air flow rooms combined with prophylactic antibiotics. It is still not clear if these expensive measures are effective in prolonging survival of patients with acute leukemia.

Keywords: Antineoplastic Agents/ADVERSE EFFECTS Cross Infection/*PREVENTION & CONTROL Hospital Units Human Hygiene Immunocompetence Medical Oncology Neoplasms/DRUG THERAPY/IMMUNOLOGY/*NURSING Patient Isolators/INSTRUMENTATION Personnel, Hospital Support, Non-U.S. Gov't JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW
810530
M8150002

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