Infection Control for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis in the Hospital

One challenge for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is that germs can be spread between patients.  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has guidelines to help limit the spread of infection.  For patient safety, we must follow these guidelines.

 

All patients with CF are treated the same when they are in the hospital.  Yet, some patients with certain bacteria, such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Burkholderia species  or multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, will have more rules to follow.  

 

When you arrive at the hospital

 

All patients with CF will have a respiratory culture done. Until the results of the culture are known, the patient will be placed in contact isolation.  This is done in case the patient has new bacteria in their culture that could be spread to others.  While a patient is in contact isolation, the rules listed below will be followed:

 

1. All healthcare workers who come into the patient’s room will wear a gown, gloves, and a mask.
2. Patients may leave their rooms only for medical tests (such as x-rays).
3. Upon leaving the room, patients will wash their hands well.  They will also need to wear a clean hospital bathrobe and a mask.

 

If the final culture results do not contain MRSA, multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Burkholderia species, then the contact isolation with a face mask can be stopped.

 

Outside the patient room

 

All patients with CF need to wear masks when they are outside of their rooms for their own safety.

 

Classroom and child life rooms

 

Unrelated patients with CF should not have contact with each other in the hospital.  This applies to the patient units and in common places such as the cafeteria.

 

• Only one child with CF at a time can be in the classroom or child life room.
• School teachers and child life staff will wipe down the desk with a disinfectant after the child with CF leaves the classroom or child life room.
• School teachers and child life staff will create a fair system to allow equal sharing of the classroom and child life room for children with CF.

 

Hospital rooms

 

Unrelated patients with CF should not visit with each other in the hospital.  This includes in the patient’s room and in common places such as the cafeteria.

 

Organism-specific guidelines

 

MRSA, Burkholderia species, andmulti-drug resistant P. aeruginosa

 

• Patients may leave their rooms for medical needs which include walking with staff supervision.
• Healthcare workers will practice contact isolation when coming into the room.
• Upon leaving their room patients will wash their hands well.  They will also need to wear a clean hospital bathrobe and a mask.

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/29/2009

Copyright © 06/29/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6413

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