After an Outbreak of a Drug-Resistant Strain of Bacteria (Enterococci

question 21

Essay

After an outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of bacteria (Enterococci faecium), hospitalofficials became concerned that their alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) hand hygieneprogram was not sufficient to prevent spreading this bacteria. The officials solicited20 volunteers to assess the effectiveness of ABHR. The volunteers' hands werecontaminated with E. faecium. After gathering baseline data on the amount ofbacteria present they performed the recommended hand hygiene according to theWorld Health Organization protocol. The amount of bacteria present was thenassessed again. Summary measures and boxplots of the baseline sample, the post-ABHR sample, and the reduction in the amount of bacteria ( log10 (bacteria / mL) ) arepresented below. Do these data provide sufficient evidence that the ABHR iseffective against the E. faecium?

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Definitions:

Somnolent

A state of strong desire for sleep or being in a condition close to sleep.

Fractured Femur

A break in the thigh bone, known as the femur, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body, often requiring significant recovery time.

Prolonged Stress Response

An extended period of activation of the stress response system in the body, which can lead to various health issues, including anxiety, depression, and heart disease.

Unrelieved Pain

Pain that persists despite efforts to manage or treat it, often impacting the quality of life.