Lyme Disease

Course overview

Lyme disease is a systemic bacterial infection that can occur in people who sustain a bite from an infected tick (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019c). Illness caused by the infection ranges in severity from mild and self-limiting to chronic and debilitating. It commonly attacks the integument and cartilage, but it may also target cardiovascular and neurological organs. Healthcare professionals may encounter patients infected with Lyme disease in almost any setting; for example, EDs, critical care units, and patients homes. Updated clinical knowledge about this disease will enable healthcare practitioners to confidently provide the best care possible to these patients. The goal of this course is to equip nurses with knowledge of the transmission, pathophysiology, and evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease.