Asepsis Exam 3 Flashcards
What is the definition of asepsis?
Asepsis is the state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms.
What are the basic principles of surgical asepsis?
Basic principles include:
* All objects placed on a sterile field must be sterile and kept sterile.
* Sterile objects remain sterile when touched by something sterile.
* Sterile objects become unsterile when touched by unsterile, clean, or contaminated objects or fluid.
* Sterile objects become unsterile by exposure to air.
* Sterile objects are considered unsterile when out of the nurse’s sight or below the nurse’s waist.
What should be done before performing a wound care procedure?
Review order and/or plan of care and gather necessary supplies.
What is the first step in wound care after gathering supplies?
Assess/administer analgesics, as needed, and assess for adequate pain control before procedure.
What is the purpose of performing hand hygiene before a procedure?
To prevent the spread of infection.
What should be done to ensure client privacy during the procedure?
Provide privacy.
What is the significance of applying PPE during wound care?
To protect both the healthcare provider and the patient from infection.
What should be done if dressings adhere to underlying tissue?
Moisten with saline to loosen before carefully removing.
What are the four types of wound drainage?
Types of drainage include:
* Serous
* Sanguineous
* Serosanguineous
* Purulent
What does serous drainage look like?
Thin, clear, watery plasma.
What does sanguineous drainage indicate?
Fresh bleeding seen in deep partial-thickness and full-thickness wounds.
What does purulent drainage suggest?
It is never normal and is often associated with infection or high bacteria levels.
What is the proper technique for measuring a wound?
Use one sterile cotton-tipped applicator to measure length, width, and depth of wound.
What should be done after cleaning a wound?
Apply dry, sterile gauze pads over saline moistened gauze in wound bed.
Fill in the blank: Sterile objects become unsterile when touched by _______.
[unsterile, clean, or contaminated objects or fluid]
True or False: A sterile field can be maintained if it is out of the nurse’s sight.
False
What should be done after applying a dressing to a wound?
Note date/time/initials on tape and place on exterior dressing.
What is the purpose of documenting the wound care procedure?
To provide a record of care and monitor wound healing.
What should be done with dressing materials after use?
Dispose of dressing materials in appropriate container.
What is the least contaminated area when cleaning a wound?
The area closest to the wound.
What should be done to ensure a sterile field is maintained?
Prevent anything that is not sterile from coming in contact with that which is sterile.
What should you do if you accidentally touch a non-sterile surface with gloved fingers?
Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene before continuing.
What should be assessed after the wound care procedure?
Assess client’s tolerance of procedure.
Skills check off for asepsis
sterile gloves
ask patient about pain meds
