Antibiotics, Nosocomial Infection and the Evidence: Update 2024

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

This intermediate-level session describes the epidemiology of common nosocomial pathogens and the optimal use of appropriate antibiotic therapy to effectively treat infection while practicing antimicrobial stewardship. We review current evidence-based pharmacological guidelines, side effects, medication monitoring, and treatment goals for serious infections including catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, hospital- and community-acquired pneumonia, necrotizing and severe soft tissue infections and Clostridium difficile infection management. This is all about clinical practice. Pharmacology content = 90%

Objectives

Explain and analyze current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia, community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infection and bloodstream infections.
Describe the prevalence of healthcare-association infections and multidrug-resistant organisms in the acute care setting and how this influences antibiotic prescribing practices.
Choose appropriate antimicrobial therapy for at least three severe infections in the inpatient environment.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.