Infection surveillance requires early identification, documentation, reporting, and follow-up of suspected infections. Antibiotic stewardship supports appropriate antibiotic use and reduces unnecessary antibiotic exposure. CDC recommends nursing homes take steps to improve antibiotic prescribing and reduce inappropriate use. CMS describes antibiotic stewardship program expectations, including leadership support, protocols, monitoring antibiotic use, tracking, reporting, and staff/resident education.
Nurse Responsibilities
- Identify signs/symptoms of infection.
- Obtain vitals and focused assessment.
- Follow facility criteria for provider notification and lab requests.
- Document symptoms, assessment, communication, orders, and response.
- Monitor antibiotic effectiveness and adverse reactions.
- Report C. difficile symptoms, MDRO concerns, fever clusters, respiratory outbreaks, and unusual infection trends.