Catalog - Sage Products Inc.

SKIN: AT RISK,YET OVERLOOOKEDPatient bath water is a proven, significant source ofhigh-level bacteria contamination. In fact, the highbacteria count in bath water is similar to the numberin urine from patients with UTIs. 4 Other basin uses,including emesis and incontinence cleanup, increasethe risk. Nurses frequently make contact withequipment, including sink handles, wherecontaminated water is disposed. This can exposeeveryone in the room to potential contamination.CDC GUIDELINESFor Environmental InfectionControl in Healthcare Facilities 5,*Recommendations - WaterI. Controlling the Spread of WaterborneMicroorganismsB. Eliminate contaminated water or fluidenvironmental reservoirs wherever possible(e.g., in equipment or solutions). Category IBCategory IB. Strongly recommended for implementation and supported by certainexperimental, clinical, or epidemiologic studies and a strong theoretic rationale.A QUADRUPLE THREATOne peer-reviewed paper states,“traditional bathingpresents a quadruple threat to the skin.” 6 The fourthreats cited are:■ Cleansers that are often drying and can alterthe skin’s pH■ Harsh, rough washcloths■ Hot water’s drying effect on the skin■ Bathing is often performed with force and frictionin an attempt to achieve cleanliness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FORSKIN INSPECTIONNearly half of all pressure ulcers develop in the hospital. 7In high risk patients, they can develop in a matter ofhours. 8 Still, stage I and II pressure ulcers—the mostnurse-sensitive skin injuries—are often not documented. 9Although non-licensed staff are often most likely to givebed baths, they may not be trained to recognize changesin skin condition. Each bath could be a missed opportunityto thoroughly inspect skin, communicate problems andapply preventative measures.* Excerpt from recommendations of CDC and HICPAC.800-323-22204