Lippincott's Guide to Infectious Diseases

In a uniquely visual design, this two-color A-to-Z reference gives a quick overview of 160 infectious diseases, from the common cold and otitis media to MRSA and other newer threats, including Bartonella quintana. Each two-page spread showcases a disease in a quick-glance format with consistent headings: Causes, Complications, Assessment Findings, Diagnostic Tests, Treatment, Nursing Considerations, and Patient Teaching. Safety, Alert, and Prevention icons draw attention to critical information. Banner heads call attention to diseases with transmission-based precautions, which are discussed further under Nursing Considerations. Special sections discuss the appropriate use of antibiotic therapy in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, review the newer antibiotic agents, and provide up-to-date information on immunizations, CDC guidelines for isolation precautions, and tips on how to provide safe patient care. Contents Part I: Understanding and preventing infectious diseases Normal microbial flora What is infection? Defense mechanisms Infection in health care facilities Infection control and treatment Bacterial resistance Part II: Managing infectious diseases (A-to-Z listing of diseases) Appendices Guide to anti-infective drugs CDC Isolation precautions Selected references Index