Utilizing clinical reasoning and the nursing process, the student is expected to:
1. Examine the concepts necessary to understand infection and inflammation, including etiology, pathophysiology and risk factors.
2. Differentiate the elements in the chain of infection and transmission of infection.
3. Explain the infectious process to include natural defenses and health care-associated infections (HAIs).
4. Identify factors that influence infection prevention and control.
5. Determine the nursing process and interventions for the patient with inflammation, infection, at risk for infection, and ineffective protection.
6. Examine the following diagnostic tests including purpose, nursing care, normal values, and interpretations of abnormal values:
a. White blood cell (WBC) count with differential
b. Culture & Sensitivity
c. Gram stain (GS)
d. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
e. C-reactive protein
7. Explain the difference between asepsis, disinfection, and sterilization.
1. Review module objectives.
2. Learning Resources:
Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P. A., Hall, A. M., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2025). Fundamentals of nursing (12th ed.). Elsevier.
Chapter 28 Infection Prevention and Control, pp. 455-481 (stop at Surgical Asepsis)
Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., Hagler, D., and Reinisch, C. (2023). Lewis’s Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems (12th edition). Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 12 Inflammation and Healing, pp. 179-184 (Stop after RICE).
Mosby’s Manual of diagnostic & laboratory tests (recent edition). Elsevier Inc.
3. Complete Critical Thinking Exercises:
Infection and Inflammation Student Learning Guide
4. Supplemental Learning:
See Bb
5. Review module objectives and check for knowledge gaps.
6. Go to the Evolve website and review the module content and practice questions.