Blog Topic
News
Personal Injury
[02/22] Ex-Playboy playmate gets $1.2M in suit vs. NYPD
[02/22] 2 children killed when car crashes into La. bayou
[02/21] 1 dead after BMW crashes through restaurant window
Read More
Product Liability
[02/22] Honda recalling 46,000 vans to fix rear doors
[02/22] Medical officials find mercury in lightening cream
[02/17] J&J consumer health segment recalls infant Tylenol
Read More
Tort
[02/22] Ex-Playboy playmate gets $1.2M in suit vs. NYPD
[02/22] Medical officials find mercury in lightening cream
[02/22] Honda recalling 46,000 vans to fix rear doors
Read More
Topics
18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Abuse & Neglect Warning Signs
Actos Drug Dangers
Assisted Living Facilities
Auto Insurance
Automobile Recalls
Autopsy
Bed Sores/Pressure Ulcers
Bicycle Accidents
C-Section
Cancer
Construction Zone Accidents
DDD-Division of Developmental Disabilities
Diagnostic Errors
Distracted Driving
Drowning Deaths in Group Homes
Emergency Room Malpractice
Falls in Nursing Homes
Fatigue in the Medical Workplace
Granny Cams in Nursing Homes
Group Home Health & Safety Standards
Group Homes
Hospital Negligence
Hospitals
Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice in Hospitals
Medication Errors
Medication Errors
Nursing Homes
Pedestrian Safety
Pharmaceutical Errors
Pool Safety
School Negligence
Schools -- Releases and Waivers
Seat Belts and Air Bags
Serious Personal Injury
Social Media
Statutes of Limitations
Surgical Errors
Surgical Infections
Swimming Pool Accidents
Tort Reform
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Trial Court and Appellate Court Victories for Our Clients
Victories on Appeal for the Public
Recent Updates
February 20, 2012
School Negligence in Improper Safety Instruction
February 17, 2012
The Truth Behind Tort Reform and Stella Liebeck
February 15, 2012
Preventing Misdiagnosis
February 11, 2012
Preventing 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
February 09, 2012
Qualifications for Group Home Residents
Archives
Surgical Infections
Infections After Surgery
Posted by: Craig A. Knapp
June 14, 2011
Millions of people go under the knife each year for various reasons. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that hospital-acquired surgical infections are the second most common form of hospital infections. What's worse is that many of these infections can be prevented with proper treatment.
What is a surgical site infection? A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs at or near the incision site within 30 days of the operation or within one year if the implant is left in place.
How risky is a surgical infection? A surgical site infection will increase a patient's risk of death by twice or 11 times the norm.
What can a the doctor or nurse do to reduce the risk of a surgical infection?
Administer antibiotics in a timely manner. Giving the right antibiotic at the right time can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If a caregiver gives the wrong pill, wrong dose, or administers the pill too early, too late, or not at all, a patient is at increased odds of contracting an infection.
Avoid hair removal at surgical site. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommends that hair at the site not be removed unless it interferes with the surgery. Also, if it needs to be removed, it should be done directly before surgery with clippers. Razors should not be used, for they cause small cuts in the skin where bacteria can settle, out of reach of skin cleansers.
Monitor the patient. If the surgery is cardiac, caregivers should manage glucose levels after surgery.
There is so much information available for hospitals regarding hospital infection prevention, that hospitals should have no excuse in causing infections. The CDC identifies and grades preventative steps for hospital-acquired infections and many hospitals have their own set of prevention protocols.
Because of this, hospitals should be held responsible for hospital-related infections that could have been avoided. If you or your loved one has contracted an infection after surgery or in the hospital, give the attorneys at Knapp & Roberts a call. We believe that you have the right to feel safe when in the care of a doctor or hospital. We can help you.
