Infection control and therapies for pediatric oncology patients

Infection Control and Therapies for the Oncology Pediatric

Keeping Central Line Infection at Bay.

This article stresses two central and related issues. The first is the severity and the potential danger of infection in patients with CVCs or central venous catheters. The article notes that these patients are often extremely ill and in constant danger of infection. The second aspect dealt with in the article refers to the various precautions and methods than can be implemented to reduce this vulnerability to infection among these patients.

The article points out that the problem of infection becomes even more critical when one considers the fact that most of patients in intensive care wards have some form of CVC. These are obviously patients who would be more susceptible to infections and this fact places emphasis on identification as well as control and care.

The author outlines various studies and research reports which indicate that the mortally rate among these patients has been shown to be extremely high. The article also points out the necessity of determining the way in which the infection could be introduced to the patient and notes that infections are most commonly introduced when the catheter is inserted. Health professionals should also be aware that infections in other areas, such as the urinary tract, can lead to catheter related infection.

The article outlines various procedures and methods which are based on suggested interventions by the Institute for Healthcare improvement. These include aspects such as the choice of the most appropriate CVC insertion site and other aspects based on the five components of care to reduce risk. These include preventative interventions and methods such as fingertip decontamination as well as maximal barrier precautions. The article also provides an overview of the importance of the knowledge of catheter design, which can also help in the reduction of infection. The effectiveness of antimicrobial - impregnated catheters is also discussed.

Article 2. Mind - Body therapies for the Pediatric Oncology patient: Matching the Right Therapy With the Right patient.

This article points out that mind - body therapies are being used more frequently in children with cancer. The central theme that is discussed is the importance of matching the patient and therapy correctly in order to facilitate the best possibility of positive treatment and healing.

The article also provides an overview of mind - body therapy and the way that it relates to the mind's ability to aid the bodily functions in fighting diseases like cancer. There are various modes of this therapy, which can include methods such as meditation, music therapy, art therapy and other aspects under the domain of mind-body therapy. The article also emphasizes the acceptance of various alternative therapeutic strategies in the fight against cancer.

The importance of matching the right patient to the right therapy is underscored by references to the necessary procedures and assessments as required by the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses standards. Note is also made of the three central questions that should be asked when attempting to match patient and therapy.

For example, the question, "What do we need to heal the whole child," allows for a holistic approach to the decision of which therapy to apply. The author also emphasizes that consideration should be given to the fact that different modes of therapy are applicable in various situations.