Infection among Burn Patients - Research Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages In general 75% of the fatalities are usually seen at the scene of the incident itself, and for those reaching medical care, infection is the major cause of mortality and illness (Murray, 2011). Since majority of the skin is exposed to the elements and to the atmosphere, protecting it from infection and bacteria is a major challenge. For those with burn injuries, this challenge is even bigger. The type and quantity of microorganisms which colonize the burn wounds are also known to affect the patient’s future risk for would infection. The pathogens which infect the wound are mostly gram-positive bacteria which include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella species (Murray, 2011). These infective agents often increase the resistance of a person to various antimicrobials. Moreover, burns are usually infected with fungus infective agents, making the infection process on burn wounds even more difficult to prevent and manage. In recent years, the survival rates and the infection rates for infection among burn patients have improved with the introduction of modern medical practices. These medical practices now include advances in fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, pulmonary care, burn wound care, and infection control (Church, et.al., 2006). Despite these improvements, there are still improvements which can be made to the practice. (Murray, 2011).  ...Download file to see next pagesRead More