Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. IV site infection • Redness, tenderness, warmth associated with the line insertion site • Purulent drainage associated with the insertion site • Sudden onset of fever, with or without chills and rigors associated with infusion of IV fluids • Positive culture from IV site drainage (normal skin flora not included) Bloodstream infection - IV associated • Sudden onset of fever, with or without chills and rigors associated with infusion of IV fluids • Positive blood culture • Positive blood culture associated with positive IV fluid culture producing the same organism(s) Bloodstream infection - UTI associated • Positive blood culture associated with positive urine culture producing the same organism(s) Gastroenteritis · Onset of diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting with positive stool culture for GI tract pathogens (e.g. Salmonella, Y. entercolitica) To reduce the risk of infection our patients/caregiver are encouraged to follow these steps: . Wash hands before and after each patient contact or procedure. · Always wear gloves when handling blood or body fluids, or when in contact with mucous membranes or open cuts. · Any caregiver with an open cut or other skin condition should not care for the patient. · Never re-cap needles. Always dispose of needles in a safety container. · Use only disposable razors for shaving. · No one else should use the patient's thermometer. · Wash dirty dishes in detergent and hot water right away. · Avoid contact with anyone who has a cold or infectious disease. If your caregiver has cold or flu symptoms, he/she should wear a mask. · Daily personal cleanliness is very important. · Keep soiled sheets, towels and clothing in a container lined with a plastic bag until laundered. Laundry should be done in hot water. · Change dressing and do catheter care on schedule as directed by your physician or nurse. · Limit contact with pets. · Wash surfaces or equipment, contaminated with blood or other body fluids, with a solution of detergent, water and diluted household bleach (10 parts water to 1 part bleach). · Throw out patient's leftover portions of food right away. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-87