As the human body ages, so does the immune system. The body will begin to struggle the fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. An 88 year old resident in Sunrise Nursing home, Mrs Rosa Turay has become infected with influenza and an associated chest infection. It will be discussed the modes of spread and the risk in relation to the elderly and the relationship with the patients and professionals in relation to Mrs Turay. Precautions needed in nursing home settings and why it is necessary for all stakeholders, other risk assessments and nursing care required. Also, recommendations or changes that could be made to reduce the risk of complications and resolve the case.
Influenza is caused by a virus that has an impact on the airways …show more content…
Influenza is a contagious virus that can be spread very easily, from person to person. Due to nurses caring for multiple patients within a facility, it becomes easy for the initially infected patient to pass the virus around a department. Appropriate infection control precautions are required to minimise the number of patients affected, this could include, isolation, vaccinations, or protective equipment for people in contact with possibly ill personnel (Beigel, 2008). Isolating the elderly in aged care facilities will limit the virus from transmitting to another elderly patient as it is an airborne virus that cannot travel very far; however, the issue is the transmission of the virus from patient to nurse to patient. To prevent this from occurring, vaccination could be provided to limit the risk of spreading the infection. This would help contain the virus, as well as, be vigilant about hand and respiratory hygiene (Gilbert, Kerridge, & Cheung, 2010). Even though this method may increase infection control precautions, anyone suspected to have influenza in the nursing home environment, should reduce contact with others at risk of contracting the virus. Personal protective equipment may also reduce the risk of spreading the virus. The use of facial masks could be used to reduce the risk of particles …show more content…
An assessment of the skin should be completed fairly regularly to check for a change in colour, temperature, textures and integrity. Changes in any of these may cause the body to take longer to recover than the average time. The skin, when in form, is a protection barrier between the body and the external environment. However, due to the body already being weak due to influenza, protecting the internal elements from other infections is a priority to a full recovery (Bianchi, Cameron, 2008). The skin can also be affected by the patient’s ability of movement. If there is little, to no movement, it will increase the risk of pressure sores, resulting in an extended recovery. Mobility plays a major role in the recovery from an illness. It has been stated (Crisp, Taylor, 2009) that exercise or the ability to be mobile can improve health or can restore the body to a maximal state of health. In a situation where influenza, has made Mrs Turay become very lethargic and tired it is still important to incorporate exercise into the daily regime, however, take into consideration her health state and age. Influenza is a virus that will decrease the appetite; however, it is still important due to Mrs Turay age and health to obtain the correct vitamins and minerals to increase the chances of making a
Influenza is caused by a virus that has an impact on the airways …show more content…
Influenza is a contagious virus that can be spread very easily, from person to person. Due to nurses caring for multiple patients within a facility, it becomes easy for the initially infected patient to pass the virus around a department. Appropriate infection control precautions are required to minimise the number of patients affected, this could include, isolation, vaccinations, or protective equipment for people in contact with possibly ill personnel (Beigel, 2008). Isolating the elderly in aged care facilities will limit the virus from transmitting to another elderly patient as it is an airborne virus that cannot travel very far; however, the issue is the transmission of the virus from patient to nurse to patient. To prevent this from occurring, vaccination could be provided to limit the risk of spreading the infection. This would help contain the virus, as well as, be vigilant about hand and respiratory hygiene (Gilbert, Kerridge, & Cheung, 2010). Even though this method may increase infection control precautions, anyone suspected to have influenza in the nursing home environment, should reduce contact with others at risk of contracting the virus. Personal protective equipment may also reduce the risk of spreading the virus. The use of facial masks could be used to reduce the risk of particles …show more content…
An assessment of the skin should be completed fairly regularly to check for a change in colour, temperature, textures and integrity. Changes in any of these may cause the body to take longer to recover than the average time. The skin, when in form, is a protection barrier between the body and the external environment. However, due to the body already being weak due to influenza, protecting the internal elements from other infections is a priority to a full recovery (Bianchi, Cameron, 2008). The skin can also be affected by the patient’s ability of movement. If there is little, to no movement, it will increase the risk of pressure sores, resulting in an extended recovery. Mobility plays a major role in the recovery from an illness. It has been stated (Crisp, Taylor, 2009) that exercise or the ability to be mobile can improve health or can restore the body to a maximal state of health. In a situation where influenza, has made Mrs Turay become very lethargic and tired it is still important to incorporate exercise into the daily regime, however, take into consideration her health state and age. Influenza is a virus that will decrease the appetite; however, it is still important due to Mrs Turay age and health to obtain the correct vitamins and minerals to increase the chances of making a