Infectious Complications in People Who Inject Drugs

Recorded On: 02/16/2022

The current opioid epidemic has caused a public health crisis in the spread of blood-borne pathogens and infections in people who inject drugs (PWID). An overview of common bacterial and viral complications will include skin and soft tissue infections, spinal epidural abscess, septic pulmonary embolism, infective endocarditis, retained needles, Clostridium botulinum and C. tetani wound infections, viral hepatitis, and human immunodeficiency virus. Promoting safe injection, safe sex practices, vaccinations, and substance use treatment are integral in preventing the infection and transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Participants will come away with a better understanding of the scope of the crisis and will be able to apply their expertise when caring for patients. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this webinar, learners will be able to: 

1.     Describe nursing assessment, interventions, and ongoing care of patients who inject drugs (PWID) that have an infectious complication

2.     Identify the bacterial, fungal, and viral complications of intravenous drug use

3.     Describe how Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) help to reduce infections in PWID

Lynne Kokoczka, MSN, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, CCRN

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Cleveland Clinic

Lynne Kokoczka, MSN, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) for the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Lynne has been a registered nurse for 14 years and a CNS for 6 years. She has certifications in acute care, in adult gerontology, and in critical care. She is currently the CNS for a 64-bed medical intensive care unit which includes a subspecialty, the medical intensive liver unit. Her role includes offering expert consultation for clinical nurses.

CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification units and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.

Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: February 16, 2025

To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.

The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.

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Infectious Complications in People Who Inject Drugs
Live event: 02/16/2022 at 1:00 PM (EST) You must register to access.
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