Reference no: EM132366549

Aim of assessment

The aim of this assessment is to increase students' understanding of how microorganisms can cause health breakdown, and the role of relevant pharmacological interventions in the recovery processes. Students will explore various modes of transmission, relevant characteristics of pathogens and the importance of breaking the chain of infection. This assessment facilitates the development of the following skills: critical appraisal of the nurse's role in infection control, literature searching, and academic writing and referencing.

Instructions:

You must use the supplied template (to be accessed from the Assessment tab in the Unit's vUWS site), to answer the questions that follow the case study below:

Case Study:
John (88 years old) is a resident at a high dependency aged care facility (nursing home). He has developed infectious conjunctivitis in his right eye. On examination, his eye was found to be red and swollen with a purulent and sticky discharge. His vision was unaffected; however he did complain that his eye was painful. The doctor prescribed gentamicin eye drops which were to be administered to both eyes.
Use the supplied template to answer the following questions:

Q1. Background of the case study
What is infectious conjunctivitis?
Of the four micro-organisms listed below, justify which one is more likely to be the cause of John's eye infection. Indicate why the other micro-organisms from the list are less likely to cause the infection.
• Legionella pneumophila
• Plasmodium ovale
• Adenovirus
• Staphylococcus aureus

Q2. Mechanism of action and adverse reactions
Describe the mechanism of action of gentamicin
Name two possible adverse reactions to this drug

Q3. Physiological basis of signs
3.1-3.3 Describe the physiological basis of the three (3) signs observed in John's eye. Relate your response to this case study.

Q4. Infection control issues
4.1-4.2 Identify and discuss two infection control issues associated with high dependency aged care facilities that can contribute to the spread of conjunctivitis.

Q5. Transmission of infection
5.1 Mary who resides in the room next door was diagnosed with the same eye infection 4 days later. Describe how the organism could have been transmitted from John's eye to Mary's eye (describe the chain of infection that could have occurred from John's eye to Mary's eye).

Q6. Breaking the chain of infection
6.1 Describe two procedures nurses will need to undertake to prevent the infection from John's eye being transmitted to another individual. Clearly explain how each procedure will effectively break the chain of infection.

Q7. Presentation: See template