Infection Control

A patient is ready for discharge when she spikes a fever of 101.3°F. A call to the physician results in an order for IV antibiotics to be administered every 12 hours for 48 hours. The patient’s family arrives to take her home, and they discover that she now has an IV and will not be discharged for 2 days. They ask, “What happened? Did our mother catch something in the hospital? We thought this is a place of healing.” How will you respond? Your response may have legal implications.

Describe one strategy you will incorporate in your practice to ensure that you are providing evidence-based care in the prevention of HAIs.