Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Sepsis Flashcards
what does a superficial incisional infection affect?
the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the surgical incision
what does the onset tend to be for a superficial incisional infection?
within 30 days after surgery
what are the signs and symptoms of a superficial incisional infection?
5 signs of swelling +/- purulent fluid at the site of incision
what does a deep incisional infection affect?
skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deep soft tissue (fascial and muscle)
what does the onset tend to be for a deep soft incisional infection or an organ/space infection?
within 30 days after surgery or within a year if an implant is in place
what are the signs and symptoms of a deep incisional infection?
- purulent fluid at site of infection
- fever and localised tenderness
- abscess formation
what does an organ/space infection affect?
skin, subcutaneous tissue, deep soft tissue, any organ or anatomy that was manipulated in the procedure
what are the signs and symptoms of an organ/space infection?
- purulent fluid at site of infection
- systemic signs of infection
- abscess formation
what are the two most common infectious organisms for an incisional infections?
- staphylococcus aureus
- e. coli
what are patient risk factors for a surgical site infection?
- extreme age
- obese or malnourished
- diabetic
- smoking
- immunosuppression
what are surgical risk factors for a surgical site infection?
- preoperative skin preparation
- length of operation
- antibiotic prophylaxis
- instrument sterilisation
- surgical drains
- post-operative hypothermia
what key measures are taken in the pre-operative phase to prevent surgical site infections?
- pre-operative showering and hair removal
- antibiotic prophylaxis or treatment if patient had prior infection
what measures are taken in the intra-operative phase to prevent surgical site infections?
- surgical scrubbing
- sterile equipment including clothing
- antiseptic skin prep
- oxygenation and laminar airflow in theatre
what measures are taken in the post-operative phase to prevent surgical site infections?
- regular dressing changes using an aseptic technique
what patients are considered high risk for MRSA infections?
- surgical patients
- ITU patients
- patients with a central venous catheter
- patients with known MRSA carriage