Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC website for assistance when completing this assignment. Choose one communicable disease from the options below. Address the following: A minimum of three is required. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Introduction
Communicable diseases pose significant health risks to individuals and populations worldwide. As a result, understanding the epidemiology of these diseases is crucial to prevent their transmission, improve patient care, and enhance public health interventions. This paper explores the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research and applies them to the communicable disease of tuberculosis (TB). By examining the communicable disease chain and the chain of infection, this paper will provide an in-depth analysis of TB’s transmission, risk factors, and nursing implications.
Communicable Disease Chain
The communicable disease chain is a framework that illustrates the progression of a disease from its source to a susceptible individual. The chain consists of six components, including the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host (CDC, 2021). Understanding each component aids in identifying effective prevention strategies and nursing interventions.
In the case of TB, the infectious agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can also infect other organs. TB bacteria are transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, allowing the bacteria to enter the respiratory system of another person (CDC, 2021). The primary reservoir of TB is humans, although infected animals can occasionally transmit the disease (Mukherjee, 2019).
The portal of exit for TB is primarily the respiratory tract, specifically the lungs. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the TB bacteria are expelled into the air, creating a potential mode of transmission to susceptible individuals. The mode of transmission for TB is inhalation, as the bacteria are airborne and can be inhaled by individuals sharing the same airspace as an infected person (CDC, 2021).
The portal of entry for TB is through the respiratory system. When an infected individual inhales the bacteria, their respiration system becomes the portal of entry, allowing the TB bacteria to establish an infection in the lungs. Additionally, other entry points, such as the gastrointestinal system or other organs, can be affected in cases of extrapulmonary TB (CDC, 2021).
The susceptible host refers to an individual who is at risk of developing the disease. Factors that contribute to susceptibility include a compromised immune system, poor nutrition status, living in crowded or unsanitary environments, and close contact with someone with active TB (Mukherjee, 2019). Individuals with underlying health conditions like HIV/AIDS or diabetes are particularly vulnerable to developing active TB (CDC, 2021).
Chain of Infection
The chain of infection provides a framework for understanding how infections are transmitted from one individual to another. It consists of six stages, including the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and the susceptible host (CDC, 2020). Analyzing each stage aids in developing effective strategies to interrupt the transmission of a communicable disease.
For TB, the infectious agent is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a highly contagious bacterium. TB bacteria can survive in aerosol droplets for several hours, increasing the risk of transmission in closed spaces and healthcare settings (Mukherjee, 2019). The primary reservoir is humans, with infected individuals acting as sources of infection.
The portal of exit for TB is primarily the respiratory system, as the bacteria are expelled through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Additionally, individuals with extrapulmonary TB can have their respective portals of exit, depending on the affected organ (CDC, 2020).
The mode of transmission for TB is primarily airborne, as the bacteria are present in droplets suspended in the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets containing TB bacteria can be inhaled by susceptible individuals (CDC, 2020). Close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual increases the risk of transmission.
The portal of entry for TB is through the respiratory system. When an individual inhales the TB bacteria, their respiratory tract becomes the portal of entry, where the bacteria can establish an infection. The gastrointestinal system or other organs can also serve as alternate portals of entry in cases of extrapulmonary TB (CDC, 2020).
The susceptible host refers to individuals who are at risk of acquiring the infection. In the case of TB, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or malnutrition, are at a higher risk of developing active TB (Mukherjee, 2019). Close contact with an individual with active TB can also increase the susceptibility to infection (CDC, 2020).
Nursing Implications
TB poses significant nursing implications, both in terms of prevention and patient care. Nursing research plays a crucial role in identifying effective strategies to prevent the transmission of TB, promoting early detection, and enhancing patient outcomes. By applying evidence-based interventions, nurses can contribute to controlling the spread of TB and improving the well-being of individuals affected by the disease.
One of the essential nursing roles in TB prevention is health promotion and education. Nurses play a vital role in raising awareness about TB, its risk factors, and transmission mechanisms. By educating individuals on the importance of proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing, nurses can contribute to reducing the spread of TB (Khan et al., 2017). Additionally, nurses can provide information on the importance of vaccination, particularly in regions with high TB prevalence (World Health Organization, 2021).
Another crucial role of nurses is tuberculosis screening and early detection. By conducting thorough assessments, identifying potential risk factors, and utilizing diagnostic tools, nurses can detect TB cases promptly. Nurses can perform Mantoux tuberculin skin tests and interpret the results, contributing to the identification of latent TB infection (Khan et al., 2017). Early detection allows for timely initiation of treatment, reducing the risk of disease progression and transmission.
Furthermore, nurses play an important role in providing patient-centered care for individuals with active TB. This includes implementing appropriate infection control measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring proper ventilation in healthcare settings, and adhering to proper hand hygiene practices (Khan et al., 2017). By following evidence-based guidelines, nurses can minimize the risk of nosocomial TB transmission.
Conclusion
Epidemiology and nursing research play vital roles in understanding and addressing the challenges associated with communicable diseases. By applying these concepts to the case of tuberculosis, it is evident that the principles of the communicable disease chain and the chain of infection provide valuable insights into TB’s transmission and nursing implications. Through effective prevention strategies and evidence-based nursing interventions, nurses can contribute to controlling the spread of TB, promoting early detection, and improving patient outcomes.