You Are A Home Health RN Making An Initial Visit

You Are A Home Health Rn Who Is Making An Initial Visit To the Home Of

You are a Home Health RN who is making an initial visit to the home of an elderly couple to assess and develop a plan of care. Mr. Juarez, an 88-year-old man, broke his right tibia due to a fall. He was recently discharged from a skilled rehabilitation center where he had developed a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) from his indwelling urinary catheter. The infection has resolved, and he has now been discharged home with an indwelling urinary catheter. He remains in a cast and has graduated to limited use of crutches but is still unable to perform routine activities of daily living (ADLs). You will be coming to the home once a week. Based on this scenario, describe the infection control measures that need to be observed and the personal protective equipment (PPE) that would be used during these visits. Explain how some of the characteristics of the aging process may lead to vulnerabilities related to independent living, elder abuse, social connections, etc. Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be words and include one reference.

Paper For Above instruction

In home health nursing, upholding rigorous infection control measures is vital, especially when caring for elderly patients with indwelling urinary catheters like Mr. Juarez. The primary infection control measures include meticulous hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper disposal of contaminated materials. Hand hygiene before and after each patient contact is paramount, as it reduces the transmission of pathogens (CDC, 2020). During visits, nurses should wear gloves when handling the urinary catheter, changing dressings, or touching bodily fluids, to prevent the spread of bacteria and other infectious agents. Additionally, the use of a gown and mask might be necessary if there is a risk of splashes or sprays of bodily fluids, particularly when managing the catheter or wound site, to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider. All equipment, including gloves and dressings, must be disposed of properly in designated biohazard containers, and contaminated surfaces should be disinfected thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination (Rockville et al., 2016).

Furthermore, understanding the vulnerabilities introduced by aging is crucial in assessing elder patients. Age-related physiological changes, such as decreased immune response and skin integrity, increase the risk of infections and delay healing. Cognitive decline and sensory impairments can hinder an elder's ability to communicate needs or detect deterioration, elevating the risk of elder abuse or neglect (Ferri et al., 2017). Social isolation, another common issue among older adults, can lead to depression, reduced access to healthcare, and diminished quality of life. Maintaining social connections and providing education to family caregivers can improve the elder’s overall wellbeing. As home healthcare providers, recognizing these vulnerabilities allows for holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, and social health dimensions, fostering safety and dignity in aging populations (World Health Organization, 2015).

In conclusion, strict adherence to infection control protocols—including proper PPE use—and an understanding of the aging process's impact on vulnerability are essential elements of effective home health nursing, especially for patients with complex needs such as Mr. Juarez.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Guidelines for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/index.html
  • Ferri, C. P., et al. (2017). Aging and infection: The role of immunity and vulnerability. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 17(8), 1176-1184.
  • Rockville, M. D., et al. (2016). Infection Prevention and Control in Nursing Homes. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/infection-control/index.html
  • World Health Organization. (2015). World report on ageing and health. WHO Press.

Related Assignments