5 Infection Control Case Studies for Nursing Practice

5 Infection Control Case Studies for Nursing Practice

5 Infection Control Case Studies for Nursing Practice

Infection control is a fundamental skill for nurses, requiring critical thinking and adherence to evidence-based practices. The following case studies offer realistic scenarios to help you apply standard and transmission-based precautions in clinical settings.

Case Study 1: C. difficile Infection

Scenario:
A 72-year-old patient is admitted with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a fever. A stool test confirms a Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection.

Challenge:
The nurse must implement appropriate precautions and educate the patient and family members on infection prevention.

Questions:

  1. What type of precautions should the nurse implement?
  2. How should hand hygiene be performed when caring for this patient?
  3. What additional steps are necessary to prevent the spread of C. difficile in the unit?

Key Points for Discussion:

  • Contact precautions: Gloves and gowns must be worn.
  • Hand hygiene with soap and water (not alcohol-based sanitizer).
  • Use bleach-based cleaning agents to disinfect surfaces.

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Case Study 2: Tuberculosis in a Clinic

Scenario:
A 40-year-old immigrant presents with a persistent cough, night sweats, and weight loss. A chest X-ray and sputum test confirm active tuberculosis (TB).

Challenge:
The nurse must protect staff and other patients while ensuring appropriate care for the individual.

Questions:

  1. What type of room should this patient be placed in?
  2. Which type of mask should the nurse wear when caring for this patient?
  3. What instructions should the nurse give the patient if they must leave the room?

Key Points for Discussion:

  • Place the patient in a negative-pressure room.
  • Wear an N95 respirator or a higher-level mask.
  • The patient should wear a surgical mask during transport.

Case Study 3: Postoperative Wound Infection

Scenario:
A 58-year-old patient returns to the hospital five days after a knee replacement surgery with redness, warmth, and purulent drainage from the incision site. A wound culture identifies MRSA.

Challenge:
The nurse must manage the infection while preventing its spread to other patients.

Questions:

  1. What precautions should the nurse take when entering the patient’s room?
  2. How should equipment used for this patient be handled?
  3. What education should the nurse provide to the patient about infection control at home?

Key Points for Discussion:

  • Implement contact precautions (gown and gloves).
  • Use dedicated or disposable equipment for the patient.
  • Teach the patient proper hand hygiene, wound care, and disposal of contaminated dressings.

Case Study 4: Pediatric RSV Outbreak

Scenario:
In a pediatric unit, three infants test positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The unit is at risk of further outbreaks.

Challenge:
The nurse must implement strategies to prevent the spread of RSV among patients and staff.

Questions:

  1. What type of precautions are necessary for RSV?
  2. How should the nurse group patients to minimize exposure?
  3. What role does visitor management play in preventing outbreaks?

Key Points for Discussion:

  • Droplet and contact precautions: Wear gloves, gown, and a mask.
  • Cohort RSV-positive patients in one area.
  • Limit visitors and educate them on hand hygiene and mask use.

Case Study 5: Improper Sharps Disposal

Scenario:
During a routine audit, a nurse manager discovers a needle improperly disposed of in a regular trash bin in a patient room. The patient in the room is HIV-positive.

Challenge:
The nurse manager must address the breach in protocol and educate staff on proper sharps disposal.

Questions:

  1. What are the risks of improper sharps disposal in this situation?
  2. What corrective actions should the nurse manager take immediately?
  3. How can staff be better educated to prevent future errors?

Key Points for Discussion:

  • Risks: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV.
  • Corrective actions: Remove the needle immediately and disinfect the area.
  • Education: Conduct training on sharps disposal and post clear signage in the unit.

Conclusion

These case studies emphasize the importance of applying infection control principles in diverse clinical scenarios. By understanding the rationale behind precautions and practicing critical thinking, nurses can protect themselves, their patients, and their colleagues from preventable infections.

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