Preventing Hospitalization Mimi H. Baugh MSN, RN-BC, RAC-CT

Bacterial Pneumonia

What is Bacterial Pneumonia? Infection of the lung caused by bacteria germs The streptococcus pneumoniae germ is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia

Who's at risk? Over 65 years Have chronic illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease Have any lung diseases such as asthma, COPD Have any diseases that may weaken your immune system such as, cancer, HIV/AIDS Are taking medicines that may weaken your immune system such as prednisone Are a smoker

What are the signs? High fever (up to 105 degrees) Tiredness (less energy) Rapid breathing Chills Cough with mucus (might be greenish or have blood) Chest pain, especially with coughing or deep breathing Shortness of breath Loss of appetite

How is it treated? Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics In some cases, the person may stay in the hospital for treatment Hospital treatments may include: Oxygen Fluids and medicines given through an IV Breathing treatments and exercises to help loosen mucus With treatment, usually improves within 24 to 48 hours

Steps to prevention If you do smoke, stop Wash your hands Get plenty of rest Eat a healthy diet Stay physically active Don’t use alcohol heavily Get a yearly flu shot Get a pneumococcal vaccine

Urinary Track Infection UTI

What is a UTI? A UTI is a condition where one or more parts of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra) become infected UTIs are the most common of all bacterial infections and can occur at any time in the life of an individual Diabetes/chronic diseases that affect the immune system may decrease your resistance to infection

Who's at risk? People of any age can get UTIs More women get UTIs than men Diabetes or problems with the body’s natural defense system Need a tube to drain their bladder (catheter) Urinary tract abnormalities that block the flow of urine Spinal cord injuries or other nerve damage

What are the signs? • Frequent and intense urge to urinate • Painful, burning feeling in the bladder or urethra during urination • Feeling tired, shaky, and weak • Muscle aches • Abdominal pain • Only small amounts of urine passed, despite a strong urge to urinate • Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine or urine that has a foul smell • Pain in the back or side below the ribs • Nausea and vomiting • Fever may indicate a kidney or prostate infection

How is it treated? Antibiotics that can kill the bacteria causing the infection The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing your UTI The length of treatment depends on: Severity of the infection Bacteria resistance to the antibiotic Repeat infections Urinary tract abnormality that blocks the flow of urine Men may need longer treatment because bacteria can hide deep inside prostate tissue

Steps to prevention Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will allow your urine to be less concentrated and cause you to void more frequently. Empty your bladder every 3-4 hours After urinating, a woman should only wipe from front to back.

Steps to prevention Avoid constipation Void immediately before and after intercourse Avoid potentially irritating feminine products Use cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD

What is COPD? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an illness that makes it hard to breathe COPD generally involves a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema People with COPD are more likely to get respiratory infections  

Who's at risk for COPD? Cigarette smoker Age older than 40 years Exposure to occupational dust and chemicals Exposure to indoor air pollution Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Who's at risk for COPD? Occupational Risk Factors: Cooks Furnace workers Grain farmers Miners Women who cook over open fires Railroad workers (from exposure to diesel exhaust)

What are the signs of COPD? Constant coughing Shortness of breath Producing a lot of sputum Feeling like you can't breathe or take a deep breath Wheezing

How is it treated? Medications for management of symptoms If severe, oxygen therapy may be used to help with shortness of breath  Be sure to understand how to safely use oxygen Pulmonary Rehabilitation Surgery

Steps to prevention If you are a smoker, Stop smoking If you don't smoke, don't start Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke  Make your home smoke-free Take care to protect yourself against chemicals, dust and fumes in your home and at work

Dehydration

What is dehydration? Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions, your system literally dries out If you don't replace lost fluids, you have an increased risk for becoming dehydrated

Who’s at risk? Age Living in a nursing home Neurological conditions, such Stroke or Cerebral Palsy Memory problems or Dementia Chronic medical conditions Athletic competition

Who's at risk? Diarrhea,Vomiting,Fever Exposure to heat & sun, Excessive sweating/exercise Medications, including: Diuretics (water pills)& Laxatives Fluid imbalance caused by illnesses, such as: Diabetes mellitus Diabetes Insipidus Lung disease Kidney problems Burns

What are the signs? Dry, sticky mouth Sleepiness or tiredness Thirst Decreased urine output Few or no tears when crying Dry skin Sunken eyes Headache Constipation Dizziness or lightheadedness Irritability and confusion in adults Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber

How’s it treated? Therapy aims to rehydrate the body, replace lost electrolytes, and prevent complications If an underlying cause is identified, therapies to treat that condition may be included if appropriate Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration

Steps to prevention Take water breaks throughout the day Take a sip of water when you pass a water fountain Carry a bottle of water with you Drink a beverage with each meal Drink more when exercising Consider foods as sources of water Keep cool

Next to oxygen, water is the nutrient most needed for life A person can live without food for a month, but most people can survive only three or four days without water

References http://www.cdc.gov/copd/pdfs/framework_for_copd_prevention.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/features/pneumonia/ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/pneumonia/hic_pneumonia.aspx http://www.drugs.com/cg/bacterial-pneumonia.html http://www.hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/general-reproductive-health/urinary-tract-infections/ http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/ https://www.knowcopd.com/copd-lungs.jsp http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd/about-copd/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment.html http://nihseniorhealth.gov/copd/treatingcopd/01.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000145.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/urinarytractinfections.html http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_antibiotics_used_treating_urinary_tract_infections_000036_8.htm http://www.thoracic.org/clinical/copd-guidelines/for-patients/what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-copd.php http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=47 http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/quotable/quote67.htm

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Benjamin Franklin