Conclusion

      Prevention is the key to reduce the transmission of pathogens through equipment use, such as the blood pressure cuff.  Results from this paper suggest that nurses will need to be more cognitive of how we interact with patients and what is being done to maintain their health and prevent the spread of pathogens. Following good hand washing practices, following facility practices and standards of care, and the use of blood pressure cuff barriers are all options to decrease the transmission of pathogens. Evidence Based Practice provides the best standards of care that will give nurses the data to support changes such as the use of disposable cuffs or sleeves for blood pressure cuffs. Knowing what antibiotics the patients are taking, if cultures are done, and if the antibiotics are appropriate for treatment of positive cultures are also resources for the nurse to use. Keeping updated on data of transmittable infectious diseases will enhance outcomes for the patients. Improved patient outcomes, more time for patient care and organizational benefits such as the reduction of recidivism, reduced healthcare costs, and resource allocation are all benefits of controlling pathogen transmission. 
 
 
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