SNHP | Senior Nursing Poster Session
Blood Pressure Cuffs: Friend or Enemy?
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
Minor
N/A
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
N/A
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Nosocomial infection is an infection acquired in a hospital within 48 hours of admission. They are the most common complication seen in hospitalized patients and are the fifth leading cause of death in acute care hospitals. Since hospital environments are a breeding ground for infectious organisms, preventing nosocomial infections is a major challenge. This study analyzed a 707 bed level-one trauma hospital, 30 swab samples obtained from blood pressure cuffs used in the emergency department of a rural hospital, and 203 cuffs from various locations within a university teaching hospital. Evidence-based research provided significant data related to the contamination of blood pressure cuffs due to a lack of cleaning between patients.
This discovery suggests that blood pressure cuffs are a key factor in the cause of nosocomial infections and hospitals must do more to prevent the spread of disease. The use of single patient disposable blood pressure cuffs, a barrier blood pressure sleeve, or assign an antimicrobial treated reusable blood pressure cuff upon admission is justified as a potential prevention strategy. The benefits of prevention include improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs per patient.
Affiliations
Nursing
Blood Pressure Cuffs: Friend or Enemy?
Nosocomial infection is an infection acquired in a hospital within 48 hours of admission. They are the most common complication seen in hospitalized patients and are the fifth leading cause of death in acute care hospitals. Since hospital environments are a breeding ground for infectious organisms, preventing nosocomial infections is a major challenge. This study analyzed a 707 bed level-one trauma hospital, 30 swab samples obtained from blood pressure cuffs used in the emergency department of a rural hospital, and 203 cuffs from various locations within a university teaching hospital. Evidence-based research provided significant data related to the contamination of blood pressure cuffs due to a lack of cleaning between patients.
This discovery suggests that blood pressure cuffs are a key factor in the cause of nosocomial infections and hospitals must do more to prevent the spread of disease. The use of single patient disposable blood pressure cuffs, a barrier blood pressure sleeve, or assign an antimicrobial treated reusable blood pressure cuff upon admission is justified as a potential prevention strategy. The benefits of prevention include improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs per patient.