Efficacy of ‘medicated sitz bath’ and ‘betadine application in axilla’ on the growth of bacteria in leukemic children

International Conference on Nursing & Emergency Medicine

December 02-04, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Sukhwinder Kaur

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Introduction: Leukemia refers to large numbers of abnormal white blood cells leading to marked neutropenia. In the neutropenic state, the body?s normal bacterial flora can become aggressive pathogens. Any break in the skin is a potential site of infection. Axilla and groin in particular are the potential sites of bacterial growth due to excessive sweating and ambient temperature condition. Medicated sitz bath and betadine application in axilla are most common chosen methods to prevent bacterial invasion by microbial flora but the efficacy of these methods is not well established. Objective: To analyze the efficacy of medicated sitz bath and betadine application in axilla. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Hematology Oncology Unit, Advanced Pediatric Centre of a tertiary level Hospital, Chandigarh. Protocols were developed on medicated sitz bath, betadine application in axilla and collection & transport of culture swabs. Thirty newly diagnosed acute lymphocytic leukemia patients were selected purposively for the study and were given ?medicated sitz bath? and ?betadine application in axilla? consecutively for 5 days. Before intervention, culture swabs were collected and transported to Microbiology department. Results: There was significant reduction in bacteria in axilla and groin on all 5 days. Recommendations: Policies and protocol regarding medicated sitz bath and betadine application in axilla should be followed strictly in the care of leukemic children.

Biography :

Sukhwinder Kaur has completed her Ph.D. at the age of 39+ years from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. She is working as a Lecturer in National Institute of Nursing Education, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. She has been honored with Glory of India award and Global Achievers award at Bangkok, Thailand in 2012 and 2013 and also awarded Rashtiya Gaurav award at New Delhi, India in 2012. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and written chapters in books and completed two institute projects. She has presented 4 papers at London, Japan and Madrid, Spain and more than 15 in India. She joined the institute in 1988.