RESUMO
Patients in the critical care setting are at high risk for infection because their normal host defenses are compromised. Critical care patients frequently have complicated, multisystem, mixed infections that can be life threatening. Optimal patient outcomes are the result of (1) early identification of signs and symptoms of infection; (2) nursing knowledge about common antimicrobials and their side effects and adverse reactions; (3) obtaining cultures before starting empiric therapy with antimicrobials; (4) consulting as needed with the infection control team; (5) practicing basic measures of infection control, such as hand washing; and (6) using special isolation precautions when the patient's condition warrants special care. The nurse also needs to be vigilant to the signs of toxicity from antimicrobial therapy. These interventions can save the critical care patient's life, prevent others from becoming infected, and save the hospital precious fiscal resources.
