Nursing care in immunocompromised patients

ABSTRACT

Concept of critical care nursing in immunocompromised patients usually comprises of prevention and treatment of life threatening complications of infections. These infections are prevalent due to neutropenia and weak immune response in these patients. Different gram positive and negative bacteria, viruses, Candida, and fungi can cause wide spread infections. Some uncommon and difficult organisms can also cause serious infections in these patients due to their low immunity. Involvement of oral cavity, lungs and central nervous system are most common. Control of infection is the key to success in an immunocompromised patient. Nursing staff are the basic workers who can control the infection rate by taking good care of their patients. The article reviews the basic principles and protocols used in nursing care to prevent infection in immunocompromised patients especially those undergoing bone marrow transplantation