[Infections in patients with cancer, criteria for quality of nursing care].

Abstract

In this paper the factors that lead to nosocomial infections of hospitalized patients with cancer and prophylaxis measures are discussed. Infection is the primary cause of death for the individual with cancer. The typical signs and symptoms often are absent in these patients. Although Gram negative organisms account for the majority of infections today, an increase of nonbacterial infections is noted. "Good" nursing care of these patients is the major factor in preventing and minimizing the incidence of nosocomial infections and it is an indicator of quality care.