title: Preventing infection in total joint replacement surgery.
abstract: As the average age of the population increases, more elderly individuals with disabling joint diseases may require total joint replacements to improve their quality of life. The development of a postoperative wound infection could lead to extended and costly hospitalizations and perhaps even result in permanent disability. Perioperative nurses play a significant role in the prevention of sepsis during total joint replacement surgery. Perioperative nurses can effectively contribute to positive outcomes for recipients of total joint arthroplasties by keeping up with advancing technology as well as increasing their understanding of the infectious process, the proper care and handling of prosthetic implants, and the need for strict aseptic technique.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Yandrich
mesh_terms: D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D009871:Operating Room Nursing