Infection

Invasion of body tissues by pathogenic microorganisms

Definition

An infection is the invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) in body tissues, eliciting an immune response.

Chain of Infection

Infectious agent
Reservoir
Portal of exit
Mode of transmission
Portal of entry
Susceptible host

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, chills, sweats
Elevated WBC with left shift (bands)
Elevated CRP, ESR, procalcitonin
Localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain
Purulent drainage
Sepsis signs: hypotension, tachycardia, altered LOC

Nursing Interventions

Obtain cultures BEFORE antibiotics when possible. Initiate empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour for sepsis ('antibiotics in the first hour'). Monitor temperature and vitals (hydrate). Break chain of infection through hand hygiene, appropriate isolation, and PPE.

NCLEX Relevance

Cultures before antibiotics. Hand hygiene is the number one infection prevention measure.