CHF and Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common and most studied arrhythmias, but its treatment is still an important issue. One of the causes of the development of AF is chronic heart failure (CHF). Frequent heart rhythm disturbances are almost always found in patients suffering from CHF. Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent form of cardiac rhythm disturbance.
Although the exact prevalence of the combination of atrial fibrillation and CHF remains unknown, AF is the most common cause of arrhythmia, and a lifetime risk is approximately 22-26% (Andrade, Khairy, Dobrev, & Nattel, 2014, p. 1453). Atrial arrhythmias, in particular, fibrillation and flutter, are often found in patients with chronic heart failure, and their presence is often associated with worsening of its course. With atrial fibrillation, there is a frequent irregular rhythm that adversely affects hemodynamics, contributes to the formation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and the further development of chronic heart failure. Catheter methods for the treatment of atrial fibrillation have actively been used in recent times. Thus, both these diagnoses are inextricably linked, and the emergence of one of them is an essential risk for the development of the other one.
Women’s Susceptibility to UTI
The urinary tract is a part of the body’s filtration system that removes liquid wastes. In women, the urinary tract is shorter than that of men. Therefore, women are particularly susceptible to bacteria that can be developed in the urinary tract and multiply. As a result, specific infections known as urinary tract infections or UTIs occur.
Although most UTIs are not serious, they can cause painful troubles. According to Ranjan, Sridhar, Matta, Chokkakula, and Ansari (2017), approximately 50% of all women are exposed to at least one such infection during their lifetime (p. 45). At the same time, many women experience regular problems of this type even though most urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics.
Also, in women who had experienced cystitis in childhood, the risk of developing such an infection is two times higher during pregnancy. Senior women are more susceptible to UTI since the decrease in the level of estrogen plays a significant role in the occurrence of recurrent bladder infections. Nursing education activities can include special lessons for women where various issues will be discussed – the most widespread ways of UTI infecting, possible principles of prevention and treatment, etc. These diseases can be avoided by following the advice of medical specialists. Therefore, the theory that women are more susceptible to such illnesses then men has a theoretical justification.
Infection Control for Foley Catheter
The instrument installed through the urethra can remain there for a maximum of five days. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the walls of the urinary tract. This medical tool needs to be changed as soon as it is clogged; otherwise, it can lead to the development of infection or inflammation in the urethra.
When a patient has a catheter, the bladder infection cannot always be prevented, but the likelihood of its occurrence can be reduced. As Lo et al. (2014) remark, twice a day, the skin area around the catheter should be washed with soap and water to avoid irritation and infection. Also, the urine collector should be cleaned daily with water. If the catheter is clogged and causes pain, it should be immediately replaced.
References
Andrade, J., Khairy, P., Dobrev, D., & Nattel, S. (2014). The clinical profile and pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation: Relationships among clinical features, epidemiology, and mechanisms. Circulation Research, 114(9), 1453-1468.
Lo, E., Nicolle, L. E., Coffin, S. E., Gould, C., Maragakis, L. L., Meddings, J.,… Yokoe, D. S. (2014). Strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 35(5), 464-479.
Ranjan, A., Sridhar, S. T. K., Matta, N., Chokkakula, S., & Ansari, R. K. (2017). Prevalence of UTI among pregnant women and its complications in newborns. Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 10(1), 45-49.