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JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/29/09 6:02 PM Page 78 Forms & Tools The following pages contain practical tools for implementing patient-focused care practices at your facility. CAUTI FAQs about Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection . . . . . . .79 Surgical Fire Safety Surgical Safety Team Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Universal Protocol and Fire Risk Assessment . . . . . . . . . .81 Extinguishing a Surgical Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Preventing Surgical Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 H1N1 (Swine Flu) H1N1 Patient Handout (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 H1N1 Patient Handout (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 78 The OR Connection JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 6:48 PM Page 79 CAUTI-Patient Handout FAQs Forms & Tools about “Catheter-Associated system, which includes the bladder (which stores the urine) and the kidneys (which filter the blood to make urine). Germs (for example, bacteria or yeasts) do not normally live in these areas; but if germs are introduced, If you have a urinary catheter, germs can travel along the catheter and ca What is a urinary catheter? A urinary catheter is a thin tube placed in the bladder to drain urine. Urine drains through the tube into a bag that collects the urine. A urinary catheter may be used: • If you are not able to urinate on your own • To measure the amount of urine that you make, for example, during intensive care • • During some tests of the kidneys and bladder o Catheters are put in only when necessary and they are removed as soon as possible. o Only properly trained persons insert catheters using sterile (“clean”) technique. o The skin in the area where the catheter will be inserted is cleaned be • External catheters in men (these look like condoms and are placed over the penis rather than into the penis) • aw Catheter care o Healthcare providers clean their hands by washing them with soap and wa touching your catheter. If you do not see your providers clean their hands, please ask them to do so. - urinary tr o The catheter is secured to the leg to prevent pulling on the catheter. germs tha - there. Germs can enter the urinary tract when the catheter is being put in or while the catheter remains in the bladder. • Burning or pain in the lower abdomen (that is, below the stomach) • Fever • problems • So emoval or change of the catheter. Your doctor will deterWhat are some of the things that hospitals are doing to prevent catheter- ac Co-sponsored by: o Keep the bag lower than the bladder to prevent urine from backflowing to the bladder. o Empty the bag regularly. The drainage spout should not touch anything while emptying the bag. if I have a catheter? • • Always keep your urine bag below the level of your bladder. • Do not tug or pull on the tubing. • Do not twist or kink the catheter tubing. • What do I need to do when I go home from the hospital? • If you will be going home with a catheter, your doctor or nurse should explain everything you need to know about taking care of the catheter. Make sure you understand how to care for it before you leave the hospital. • as burning or pain in the lower abdomen, fever, or an increase in the • Before you go home, make sure you know who to contact if you have ques Surgeon leads Anesthesia leads 80 The OR Connection Team members are encouraged to speak up when any problems are noted. Monitors applied and functioning Anesthesia equipment and medical check complete Special airway equipment Antibiotic prophylaxis ordered/ initiated (60min) • Team verbally agrees or corrects discrepancies OR staff reviews • Sterility/equipment/irrigation solutions • Fire Risk Assessment score given or N/A • IV access/fluids/blood products • Specific patient concerns • Antibiotic • ASA Anesthesia reviews • Surgeon confirms with OR team: Patient name, procedure • Operative side & site/mark visible • Correct positioning (patient/table) • Relevant images available/labelled? • Implants available? • Specimen collection • Length of case/critical steps • Based on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, http://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/en © World Health Organization 2008 All rights reserved. Info from circulator/OR staff. Info from surgeon. Info from anesthesia provider. • Anesthesia reviews Transfer to ____/oxygen needed Counts complete (instrument, sponge, needle) Nurse confirms with OR team: Procedure name? • Specimen(s)/labelling? • Estimated blood loss? • Any equipment/pick list issues? • Postop concerns? • Wound packing/dressing? • Circulator leads Circulator confirms items with surgeon / OR team before patient leaves OR. Forms & Tools 6:48 PM Introductions: All team members Please state name and role Surgeon arrives: Team introductions begin followed by confirmation of items and anticipated critical steps. Anesthesia: We are going to go over a checklist to provide the safest possible care. BEFORE PATIENT LEAVES ROOM 12/28/09 Patient/staff has confirmed: Identification (name/DOB) • Procedure • Side/site • Allergies Consent verifies procedure? Consent for blood or blood refusal? Site/side is initialed? OR equipment available/working? Surgeon present in facility? BEFORE SKIN INCISION BEFORE INDUCTION OF ANESTHESIA Surgical Safety Team Communication JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 Page 80 Surgical Safety Team Communication Prep & Holding Unit Doing Procedure 21020 S(36590)(0307)C Initials Signature/Title Print Name Time:________O#4 FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Initial:_______ FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Time Out: Time:_________ Initial:_______ Initial:_______ Initials Signature/Title Initial:_______ (see side 2 for specifics) SCORE 1 or 2: Initiate Routine Protocol SCORE 3: Initiate High Risk Fire Protocol Procedure site or incision above the xiphoid Open oxygen source (face mask/ nasal cannula) Ignition source (cautery, laser, fiberoptic light source) 3 rd 2 Time Out: Time:_________ nd 1st Time Out: Time:_________ 0 (NO) 0 (NO) 1 (Yes) 1 (Yes) OR – Universal Protocol Print Name ______ Total Score: 0 (NO) 1 (Yes) The entire procedure team has performed a Time Out and all members have verbally agreed. 2nd 3rd Time out included the verification of: 1st Correct patient identity Agreement on procedure to be done Correct site and side Diagnostic study confirmation of site and side Availability of implants Availability of special equipment Universal Protocol and Fire Risk Assessment Initial:________________ Side marked by: Patient Family member (Relationship):____________ Healthcare Provider C After verification has been completed, the patient if able, will write “Yes” with a permanent marker on or as near the site as possible: RIGHT ____________________ LEFT ___________________ COMPONENT # 2 SITE MARKING (If required) Name and date of birth confirmed ** Patient/Decision maker verbalizes planned procedure Schedule confirms planned procedure Consent confirms planned procedure ** History and Physical confirms planned procedure Diagnostic Study confirms planned procedure Progress Record/Consult confirms planned procedure Site marking required (go to Component 2) Site marking not required Date/Time: Initial: Sending Unit COMPONENT # 3 TIME OUT 6:48 PM Mark all that apply ** indicates required field COMPONENT # 1 VERIFICATION PROCESS Date of Procedure _____________ Side 1 12/28/09 _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Planned Procedure: ___________________________________________________ OPFRM (MNDPK( UNIVERSAL PROTOCOL AND FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 Page 81 Forms & Tools Aligning practice with policy to improve patient care 81 The caregiver (RN/LPN, anesthesia provider, surgeon, resident, PA) beginning the verification process will initiate the form. When care of the patient is transferred to a new care area, the new care giver will complete the appropriate columns and initial. Mark (¥) only the boxes that indicate the method reviewed to confirm the planned procedure. Resolve discrepancies identified through the verification process prior to moving the patient to the procedure area or prior to the initiation of the bedside procedure/anesthesia regional block. 82 The OR Connection Time out is completed prior to the start of the procedure and a designated person (circulating RN, assisting RN or tech) will complete the section and initial. Mark (¥) only the boxes that indicate the components confirmed. An additional Time Out is documented for a second procedure. In the event that the physician performing the procedure leaves the patient or repositions the patient after the Time Out process has occurred, the Time Out process is repeated and documented. FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT x Routine Protocol 1. FUEL: A. When an alcohol based solution is used, use minimal amount of solution and allow sufficient time for fumes to dissipate before draping. Observe drying time (minimum 3 minutes). Do not drape patient until flammable prep is fully dry. B. Do not allow pooling of any prep solution (including under the patient). C. Remove bowls of volatile solution from sterile filed as soon as possible after use. D. Utilize standard draping procedure 2. IGNITION SOURCE: A. Protect all heat sources when not in use. (cautery pencil holster, laser in stand by mode etc.) B. Activate heat source only when active tip is in line of sight. C. De-activate heat sources before tip leaves surgical site. D. Check all electrical equipment before use. x High Risk Protocol (includes all of routine protocol) A. Use appropriate draping techniques to minimize O2 concentration (i.e., tenting, incise drape). B. Electrical Surgical Unit (ESU) setting should be minimized C. Encourage use of wet sponges. D. Basin of sterile saline and bulb syringe available for suppression purposes only. E. Anesthesia Care Provider considerations: x A syringe full of saline will be available, in reach of the anesthesia care provider, for procedures within the oral cavity. x Documentation of oxygen concentration/flows. Use of “MAC Circuit” for oxygen administration. A. B. C. D. COMPONENT #3 TIMEOUT Purpose: To conduct a final verification of the correct patient, procedure, site and implants, if applicable. Document site marking for patients having surgical/invasive procedures involving laterality or digits. (Patients having surgical/invasive procedures involving level(s) (i.e. spine or ribs) will have level(s) marked by the Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) performing the procedure or identified by the LIP using radiographic techniques during the procedure.) Forms & Tools 6:49 PM A. 12/28/09 COMPONENT #2 SITE MARKING Purpose: To clearly identify the intended site of incision or insertion. A. B. C. D. Side 2 COMPONENT # 1 VERIFICATION PROCESS Purpose: To outline the process for identifying the correct person, correct procedure, and correct site for surgical and invasive procedures with involvement of the patient or decision maker when possible. UNIVERSAL PROTOCOL AND FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT (For Operating Room and Non-Operating Room Settings) JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 Page 82 Universal Protocol and Fire Risk Assessment JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/30/09 9:00 AM Page 83 THE CHOICE IS YOURS. Medline’s comprehensive line of facemasks was designed to meet a variety of needs and preferences, but all of our masks are united by a common trait — quality. Every mask we manufacture — from our fluid-resistant masks to our spearmint-scented masks — is backed by Medline’s quality guarantee and designed to exceed expectations for comfort and protection. • Fluid resistant • Fog-free • Spearmint-scented • Chamber style • Isolation • Procedure • Face shield • Protective eyewear ©2009 Medline Industries, Inc. Medline is a registered trademark of Medline Industries, Inc. JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 Forms & Tools 6:49 PM Page 84 Extinguishing a Surgical Fire EMERGENCY PROCEDURE EXTINGUISHING A SURGICAL FIRE Fighting Fires ON the Surgical Patient Review before every surgical procedure. In the Event of Fire on the Patient: 1. Stop the flow of all airway gases to the patient. 2. Immediately remove the burning materials and have another team member extinguish them. If needed, use a CO2 fire extinguisher to put out a fire on the patient. 3. Care for the patient: —Resume patient ventilation. —Control bleeding. —Evacuate the patient if the room is dangerous from smoke or fire. —Examine the patient for injuries and treat accordingly. 4. If the fire is not quickly controlled: —Notify other operating room staff and the fire department that a fire has occurred. —Isolate the room to contain smoke and fire. Save involved materials and devices for later investigation. Extinguishing Airway Fires Review before every surgical intubation. MS09445_1 At the First Sign of an Airway or Breathing Circuit Fire, Immediately and Rapidly: 1. Remove the tracheal tube, and have another team member extinguish it. Remove cuff-protective devices and any segments of burned tube that may remain smoldering in the airway. 2. Stop the flow of all gases to the airway. 3. Pour saline or water into the airway. 4. Care for the patient: —Reestablish the airway, and resume ventilating with air until you are certain that nothing is left burning in the airway, then switch to 100% oxygen. —Examine the airway to determine the extent of damage, and treat the patient accordingly. Save involved materials and devices for later investigation. Source: New Clinical Guide to Surgical Fire Prevention. Health Devices 2009 Oct;38(10):330. ©2009 ECRI Institute More information on surgical fire prevention is available at: www.ecri.org/surgical_fires 84 The OR Connection 12/28/09 6:49 PM Page 85 Preventing Surgical Fires Forms & Tools ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT SURGICAL FIRES Surgical Team Communication Is Essential The applicability of these recommendations must be considered individually for each patient. At the Start of Each Surgery: X Enriched O2 and N2O atmospheres can vastly increase flammability of drapes, plastics, and hair. Be aware of possible O2 enrichment under the drapes near the surgical site and in the fenestration, especially during head/face/neck/upper-chest surgery. X Do not apply drapes until all flammable preps have fully dried; soak up spilled or pooled agent. X Fiberoptic light sources can start fires: Complete all cable connections before activating the source. Place the source in standby mode when disconnecting cables. X Moisten sponges to make them ignition resistant in oropharyngeal and pulmonary surgery. During Head, Face, Neck, and Upper-Chest Surgery: X Use only air for open delivery to the face if the patient can maintain a safe blood O2 saturation without supplemental O2. X If the patient cannot maintain a safe blood O2 saturation without extra O2, secure the airway with a laryngeal mask airway or tracheal tube. Exceptions: Where patient verbal responses may be required during surgery (e.g., carotid artery surgery, neurosurgery, pacemaker insertion) and where open O2 delivery is required to keep the patient safe: — At all times, deliver the minimum O2 concentration necessary for adequate oxygenation. — Begin with a 30% delivered O2 concentration and increase as necessary. — For unavoidable open O2 delivery above 30%, deliver 5 to 10 L/min of air under drapes to wash out excess O2. — Stop supplemental O2 at least one minute before and during use of electrosurgery, electrocautery, or laser, if possible. Surgical team communication is essential for this recommendation. — Use an adherent incise drape, if possible, to help isolate the incision from possible O2-enriched atmospheres beneath the drapes. — Keep fenestration towel edges as far from the incision as possible. — Arrange drapes to minimize O2 buildup underneath. — Coat head hair and facial hair (e.g., eyebrows, beard, moustache) within the fenestration with water-soluble surgical lubricating jelly to make it nonflammable. — For coagulation, use bipolar electrosurgery, not monopolar electrosurgery. During Oropharyngeal Surgery (e.g., tonsillectomy): X X Scavenge deep within the oropharynx with a metal suction cannula to catch leaking O2 and N2O. Moisten gauze or sponges and keep them moist, including those used with uncuffed tracheal tubes. During Tracheostomy: X Do not use electrosurgery to cut into the trachea. During Bronchoscopic Surgery: X If the patient requires supplemental O2, keep the delivered O2 below 30%. Use inhalation/exhalation gas monitoring (e.g., with an O2 analyzer) to confirm the proper concentration. When Using Electrosurgery, Electrocautery, or Laser: X The surgeon should be made aware of open O2 use. Surgical team discussion about preventive measures before use of electrosurgery, electrocautery, and laser is indicated. X Activate the unit only when the active tip is in view (especially if looking through a microscope or endoscope). X Deactivate the unit before the tip leaves the surgical site. X Place electrosurgical electrodes in a holster or another location off the patient when not in active use (i.e., when not needed within the next few moments). X Place lasers in standby mode when not in active use. X Do not place rubber catheter sleeves over electrosurgical electrodes. Developed in collaboration with the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. Source: New Clinical Guide to Surgical Fire Prevention. Health Devices 2009 Oct;38(10):319. ©2009 ECRI Institute More information on surgical fire prevention, including a downloadable copy of this poster, is available at www.ecri.org/surgical_fires ® MS09445_2 JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 Aligning practice with policy to improve patient care 85 JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 6:49 PM Page 86 Wipe out Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in just one minute with DISPATCH® MDRO Solutions. A unique, stabilized bleach and detergent solution, DISPATCH® cleans and disinfects in one step in just one minute for today’s infectious multidrug-resistant organisms including: Acinetobacter baumannii Enterobacter aerogenes Enterococcus faecium Klebsiella pneumoniae Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Pseudomonas aeruginosa DISPATCH is approved for most medical use surfaces and as a pre-soak for medical instruments. DISPATCH is available in convenient packaging options, including sprays and pre-moistened towels. To learn more about DISPATCH® Hospital Cleaner Disinfectant with Bleach and DISPATCH® Hospital Cleaner Disinfectant Towels with Bleach, visit dispatchmdro.com. DISPATCH ® JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 7:57 PM Page 87 Forms & Tools H1N1 Patient Handout H1N1 (Swine Flu) What is H1N1 flu? H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, is a respiratory illness caused by type A influenza viruses. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because it was thought to be very similar to flu viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. H1N1 flu was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. How does H1N1 flu spread? H1N1 flu is contagious and is spreading between people. This virus may be transmitted in similar ways that other flu viruses spread, through coughing or sneezing. A person may be able to infect another person one day before symptoms develop and for seven or more days (longer for children) after becoming sick. It is possible that someone may become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching his mouth or nose. Eating pork does not cause swine influenza. What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu? The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting may also be associated with H1N1 flu. Most people with the virus have recovered without needing treatment, but hospitalizations and deaths have occurred. H1N1 Symptoms • Headache • Fever • Fatigue What should I do if I think I have H1N1 flu? If you have flu symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people to avoid spreading your illness. It is recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, or if possible, until your cough is gone. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider. He or she will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. • Chills Seek emergency medical care for any of the following warning signs: • Body aches • Runny or stuffy nose • Sore throat • Cough In children: In adults: • • • • • • • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Severe or persistent vomiting Page 1 Text courtesy of NursingCenter.com. Images courtesy of Anatomical Chart Company. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | Wolters Kluwer Health Businesses. nursingcenter.com anatomical.com 5mcc.com Aligning practice with policy to improve patient care 87 JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 Forms & Tools 7:58 PM Page 88 H1N1 Patient Handout How is H1N1 flu treated? The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza) to treat and/or prevent swine influenza. These antiviral medications may also prevent serious complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within 2 days of symptoms. What can I do to prevent H1N1 flu? You can reduce your risk of contracting and spreading swine influenza and other influenza viruses by: • Coughing or sneezing into your arm; avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms such as coughing or sneezing • Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because this is how germs get into your body • Staying home when you're sick and getting as much rest as possible • Keeping surfaces and objects (especially tables, counters, doorknobs, toys) that can be exposed to the virus clean • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds; using alcohol-based hand cleansers is also acceptable • Practicing other good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, staying active, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating healthy foods Lisa Morris Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP Page 2 Text courtesy of NursingCenter.com. Images courtesy of Anatomical Chart Company. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | Wolters Kluwer Health Businesses. 88 The OR Connection Check with your healthcare provider to see if the H1N1 vaccine is right for you. nursingcenter.com anatomical.com 5mcc.com JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 7:58 PM Page 89 Forms & Tools H1N1 Español por los Pacientes Virus de la influenza A subtipo H1N1 (anteriormente llamado de la «gripe porcina») ¿Qué es la gripe por H1N1? La gripe por H1N1, originalmente llamada «gripe porcina», es la enfermedad respiratoria que causa la infección por el virus de la influenza A subtipo H1N1. A este virus originalmente se le llamó virus de la «gripe porcina» puesto que se pensó que era muy similar a los virus que causan gripe en los cerdos (porcinos) en Norteamérica. El virus de la influenza A subtipo H1N1 fue detectado por primera vez en humanos en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica en abril del 2009. ¿Cómo se propaga la gripe por H1N1? La gripe por H1N1 es contagiosa y se propaga de persona a persona. El virus puede propagarse de manera similar a otros virus de la gripe; a través de la tos o de los estornudos. Una persona puede infectar a otra un día antes de presentar síntomas y durante siete o más días (más tiempo en los niños) después de haber enfermado. Existe la posibilidad de que una persona se infecte al tocar una superficie contaminada con el virus si esta persona luego se pone las manos sobre la boca o nariz. Comer carne de cerdo no causa gripe por H1N1. ¿Cuáles son los síntomas de la gripe por H1N1? Los síntomas de la gripe por H1N1 incluyen fiebre, tos, dolor de garganta, nariz con mucosidad o tupida; dolor en el cuerpo, dolor de cabeza, escalofríos y fatiga. La mayoría de las personas que han tenido el virus se han recuperado sin necesitar tratamiento, pero ha habido otras que han necesitado hospitalización, y también otras que han muerto. Síntomas de A(H1N1) • Dolor de cabeza • Fiebre • Fatiga ¿Qué debo hacer si pienso que tengo gripe por H1N1? Si usted piensa que tiene síntomas de gripe quédese en casa y evite entrar en contacto con otras personas para no propagar la enfermedad. Es recomendable quedarse en casa por lo menos durante 24 horas después de que le haya pasado la fiebre, o si es posible, después de que le haya pasado la tos. Si está gravemente enfermo, o si pertenece a un grupo de alto riesgo para desarrollar complicaciones, entre en contacto con su proveedor de atención médica. Él determinará si es necesario que le hagan análisis o que tome tratamiento. • Escalofríos • Nariz con mucosidad o tupida • Dolor de garganta • Tos • Dolores corporales Busque atención médica de urgencias si presenta cualquiera de los siguientes signos (señas) de alarma: En niños: En adultos: • • • • • • • Dificultad para respirar o sensación de «falta de aire» • Dolor o sensación de presión en el pecho o en el abdomen • Mareo súbito • Confusión • Vómito intenso o persistente • Los síntomas como de gripe mejoran pero luego reaparecen con fiebre y tos más fuerte. Respiración acelerada o dificultad para respirar Tonalidad morada en la piel No está tomando suficientes líquidos No se despierta o no responde a las acciones Está tan irritable que no quiere que lo alcen Los síntomas como de gripe mejoran pero luego reaparecen con fiebre y tos más fuerte. • Vómito intenso o persistente Página1 Texto por cortesía del centro NursingCenter.com. Imágenes por cortesía de Anatomical Chart Company. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | Wolters Kluwer Health Businesses. nursingcenter.com anatomical.com 5mcc.com Aligning practice with policy to improve patient care 89 JBK_OR12.3.qxp:Layout 1 12/28/09 Forms & Tools 7:58 PM Page 90 H1N1 Español por los Pacientes ¿Cómo es el tratamiento para la gripe por A(H1N1)? Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de los EE. UU. (CDC) recomiendan el uso de oseltamivir (nombre de marca Tamiflu) o de zanamivir (nombre de marca Relenza) para el tratamiento y la infección, o solamente para prevenir la infección por el virus de la influenza A(H1N1). Estos medicamentos antivíricos también pueden prevenir complicaciones graves. Para el tratamiento, los medicamentos antivíricos funcionan mejor si se comienzan a usar en un lapso de dos días después de que comienzan los síntomas. ¿Qué puedo hacer para prevenir la gripe por A(H1N1)? Usted puede disminuir su riesgo de contraer gripe por A(H1N1) y de propagar otros virus de la influenza de la siguiente manera: • Tosiendo o estornudando sobre su brazo y evitando el contacto cercano con personas que presentan síntomas respiratorios tales como tos o estornudos. • No tocándose los ojos, nariz o boca, pues ésta es la manera como los gérmenes llegan hasta nuestro cuerpo. • Quedándose en casa cuando está enfermo y descansando el mayor tiempo que pueda. • Manteniendo limpias las superficies y objetos (especialmente mesas, mesones, cerraduras de puertas) que puedan estar expuestos al virus. • Lavándose las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante 15 a 20 segundos o usando un limpiador para las manos con base en alcohol. • Practicando otros hábitos saludables; incluso dormir bastante, mantenerse activo, tomar líquidos en cantidad y comer alimentos saludables. Escrito por Lisa Morris Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP Traducido por Marcela D. Pinilla, M.H.E., M.T. (ASCP) Página 2 Texto por cortesía del centro NursingCenter.com. Imágenes por cortesía de Anatomical Chart Company. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | Wolters Kluwer Health Businesses. 90 The OR Connection Verifique con su proveedor de atención médica para determinar si la vacuna contra el virus de la influenza A(H1N1) es adecuada para usted. nursingcenter.com anatomical.com 5mcc.com