Preventing Staph. aureus infection on a surgical ward: the nurse's role

Common microbes and pathogens have different properties and modes of transmission. Staph. aureus is one of the most common pathogens on surgical wards. Antibiotics can be used to treat or prevent infections caused by Staph. aureus. A risk assessment by nurses of patients' likelihood of developing or transmitting an infection may help to reduce or control hospital-acquired infection. Nurses must be aware of basic microbiology in order to help control hospital-acquired infection.