Infection Prevention Bundle
This is a series of three presentations describing infection risks, prevention practices and management strategies for the premature neonate. Infection Risk, Outcomes and Prevention of CLABSI (central line associated blood stream infection), Preterm Skin Care, and NICU Antibiotic Stewardship Programs all provide essential information in caring for premature neonates in the NICU and the prevention of infection.
Objectives:
- Identify four factors that significantly increase the risk of infection in the small baby.
- List three examples of small baby practices that have been associated with a reduction in infection.
- Describe two co-morbidities associated with infection in the small baby.
- State two key examples of care strategies to reduce the risk of CLABSI in the premature neonate.
- List three anatomic and functional differences in premature and ELBW infant skin.
- Discuss two strategies to address extremely increased transepidermal water loss and evaporative heat loss in ELBW infants.
- Describe two preventative and two treatment techniques for skin breakdown due to the use of medical adhesives and skin disinfectants in ELBW infants.
- Identify potential for skin breakdown as portal of entry for infection, and discuss importance of early identification of bacterial and fungal microorganisms.
- Recall two risks of using antibiotics in the small baby.
- State two factors that can improve the accuracy of infection diagnosis in a small baby.
- List three ways an NICU nurse can participate in their unit-based Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
- Describe three strategies that have been used to reduce antibiotic exposure in the small baby.
Total CE 3.4
NCC Codes: NNP 2 or 3 or 7
NCC Codes: NIC 1 or 2 or 7
NCC Codes: LRN 3 or 3 or 7
Rx possible = 1 of 3.4
*These presentations were included in the Small Baby Care Specialist® Program
Last updated: December 2021
Your Instructor
Linda Lefrak, Carolyn Lund, and Jennifer Rivera are Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialists who have practiced at several Children’s Hospitals. Some of their interests include neonatal nutrition, patient safety and quality improvement, infection risk reduction, and skin care. These NICU advanced practice nurses have participated in state and national collaboratives and have provided extensive neonatal education across the country.