AORN Journal
Volume 86, Issue 5 , Pages 801-814, November 2007

Surgical Site Infection: The Host Factor

  • Donald E. Fry, MD

      Affiliations

    • Donald E. Fry, MD, is the executive vice president of Michael Pine and Associates consulting firm, Chicago, IL. Dr Fry has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.
    • ,
  • Rosemary V. Fry, RN, BSN, CNOR

      Affiliations

    • Rosemary V. Fry, RN, BSN, CNOR, is a retired OR nurse from Chicago, IL. Ms Fry has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.

ABSTRACT 

MORE THAN 30 MILLION surgical procedures are performed annually in the United States, and surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major postoperative complication.

ALTHOUGH BACTERIA contaminate all surgical wounds, not all wounds become infected. In most cases, the host response eradicates the microbes. The patient's (ie, host's) responsiveness, therefore, is an important variable in the equation of factors that influence the rate of infection.

OPTIMIZING THE PATIENT'S PHYSIOLOGICAL condition can help prevent SSIs. Initiatives that show promise in reducing SSI rates include use of supplemental oxygen, maintenance of core body temperature, and rigorous management of blood sugar. Perioperative nurses play an important role as the patient's infection control advocate. AORN J 86 (November 2007) 801–810.

 

  indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 811–812 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 813–814.The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, director, Center for Perioperative Education.This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019. Check with your state board of nursing for acceptance of this activity for relicensure.

PII: S0001-2092(07)00287-6

doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2007.06.022

AORN Journal
Volume 86, Issue 5 , Pages 801-814, November 2007

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