Central-Line Associated Infections - Essay Example

The quick multiplication of bacteria causes a serious infection in the blood. The main cause of this condition is the bacteria that live on the skin finding their way into the bloodstream. The following factors increase the chances of getting this condition. First, having the tube in your body for a very long time increases the chances of more bacteria getting into the bloodstream.

Second, having a tube that is not coated with a substance that kills bacteria increases the chance of a variety of bacterial infections. Third, having the tube inserted in certain parts of the body, for example in the thigh. Symptoms of the disease include chills, swelling at the tube site, fast heart rate, and drainage of a strange fluid from the tube site, (Kellicker, 2012). Evidence-based methods to prevent the condition In his article Kellicker (2012), reveals that doctors can prevent this condition by carefully choosing a good part of the body where to insert it, wearing gloves, thorough washing of the hands.

Doctors should also use antiseptic to clean the tube opening, keeping visitors out of the hospital room, and precautions when handling materials being fed into the body, (Kellicker, 2012). Summary of the second article Central line infection is the primary cause of many deaths in hospitals today, (Charalambous et al, 2012). The authors carried out research to determine the factors that put one at the risk of suffering from this condition in surgical patients. The study involved a total of 232 patients.

The results after the analysis of the study indicated that 49% of the patients had not been infected, 17% of the patients had the bacteria at the colony stage and 34% were seriously infected. The authors also found that placement in the intensive care unit and placement in the operating room were factors that led to the infections. The duration the tube took in the patient's body was not a significant contributing factor. Evidence-based methods to prevent the condition According to Charalambous et al (2012), this condition is a serious cause of death in hospitals, and practices should be improved and carried out in a safe manner to reduce these deaths.

Recommendations A lesson should be taught in the hospitals on how to prevent infections. Doctors should be given constant updates on ways of controlling bacteria. Research should be done to find alternative ways of feeding materials in the body.