Asepsis Flashcards
1
Q
medical asepsis
A
- clean technique
- practices to confine or limit growth of contamination of spread
- using alcohol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide
2
Q
surgical asepsis
A
- sterile technique
- practices that keep areas free of all organisms
- using steam, gas, radiation, chemicals
3
Q
asepsis levels
A
- sterile technique: strict use of sterile gloves and sterile supplies
- modified sterile: use of exam gloves and parts of sterile equipment
- clean technique: use of clean hands via hand hygiene or exam gloves, clean supplies
(skin cannot be sterilized,
objects can’t be sterilized unless they go through that steam, radiation, etc.
know what is dirty, know what is clean, know what is sterile, never let them overlap)
4
Q
principles of surgical (sterile) asepsis
A
- only a sterile object can touch another sterile object
- consider the edge (1 inch border) of sterile field to be contaminated (don’t touch sterile gloved hands, can touch while putting on sterile gloves)
- time management: open things closest to time needed, more time open means more possibility of contamination
- avoid talking, coughing, sneezing, and never reach across a sterile field or object (can’t reach across but can reach into it if wearing sterile gloves)
5
Q
more priniciple
A
- never walk away or turn back on sterile field (bc can’t guarantee its sterility)
- after donning sterile gloves, keep hands in sight at or above waist level (means they’re not contaminated, if you can’t see them, that is contaminated)
- avoid spilling any solution on a cloth or paper used as a field for sterile set up
- tables are sterile only at waist level
6
Q
more principles
A
- sterile items are stored on clean, dry surfaces
- sterile items expire
- sterility cannot be ensured without direct observation and vigilance
- consider an object contaminated if you have any doubt of a break in sterility (any tears, punctures, there is doubt it is sterile, so it is compromised)
7
Q
more principles
A
- if you see someone contaminate a sterile field or object, make it known
- keep fingernails short and clean, no polish or artificial nails
- avoid wearing jewelry that dangles or can fall into the sterile field
- keep long hair pulled back and no stray strands
8
Q
more principles
A
- supplies are packaged in a clean wrapper, but the inside is sterile
- handle sterile equipment only with sterile gloves
- main concept: sterile only touches sterile
9
Q
picture of someone doing a sterile transfer
A
in sterile gown, sterile area is from waist to armpits on front of body, with arms and gloves included
10
Q
nurse’s role in preparing for a sterile procedure
A
- determine allergy status to latex or antiseptic used (all kits actually used in hospital are latex free but for just the sterile gloves outside of the kit, there are latex and latex-free ones
- assess pain level and readiness before starting (does patient know what you’re going to do, why it’s important, don’t have to go to the bathroom, prepared to sit still, knows how long it is going to take)
- position patient, bed, etc. (position patient, raise height of bed)
- initiate sterile consciousness (you’re aware of what is sterile, not sterile, and are thinking about that)
- perform hand hygiene
- gather sterile items
11
Q
preparing for a sterile procedure 2
A
- check expiration date and assess package integrity
- place bedside table where sterile field is always in sight
- ensure workplace is flat and waist level
- clean and ensure the surface is dry (put on exam gloves and clean table with wipes, bc those chemicals are toxic)
12
Q
opening a sterile field
A
- remove outer package
- take 1st flap facing you and fold back/away
- open each side flap
- bring last flap towards you
- do not cross over sterile field at any time when opening flaps
- items are typically packed/arranged in order of use
13
Q
opening a sterile field 2
A
- reach in carefully to obtain sterile gloves, if present/correct fit
- apply sterile gloves then proceed with procedure, using items as directed
- maintain sterility throughout entire procedure, no exceptions, if in doubt, throw it out
14
Q
sterile gloving
A
- select correct size
- check for latex sensitivity
- determine package integrity
- hand hygiene
- place package on a clean, dry, flat surface
- open package without contamination
15
Q
sterile gloving steps
A
- grasp 1st glove by outer edge of cuff
- lift up, avoid edges, place hand inside
- slip fingers under the 2nd glove cuff, lift up, avoid edges
- keeping gloved thumb up/out, pull on 2nd glove (hitchhiker thumb, glove to glove)
- fix fingers after both gloves are on
- always keep hands at waist level and in sight
