How drug-resistant microorganisms affect nursing.

Abstract

Although antibiotics have improved the mortality and morbidity associated with infectious disease, antibiotic mismanagement has created drug-resistant microorganisms, which are present in the environment outside the hospital. In the hospital, drug-resistant microorganisms require Contact Isolation, a transmission-based isolation recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The nurse's role in preventing the spread of drug-resistant microorganisms includes using appropriate infection control and isolation guidelines (especially handwashing), working with other health care workers to maintain appropriate infection control standards at all times, and teaching patients and families about infection control and antibiotic management.