LM1 - aseptic technique Flashcards
why is aseptic technique used?
to prevent HAIs (Healthcare Associated Infections)
what is are HAIs? (Healthcare Associated Infections)
- unintended and often preventable infections caused by care received in a health care setting
- many are: urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections
- over 2 million patients in the US contract an HAI
- 99,000 patients die from a HAI every year
why is hand washing necessary?
- prevents spread of disease by breaking the chain of infection
what are the parts of the chain of infection?
- germs (agent)
- where germs live (reservoir)
- how germs get out (portal of exit)
- how germs get around (mode of transmission)
- how germs get in (portal of entry)
- next sick person (susceptible host)
what nursing measures are used to break the chain of infection?
- interrupt mode of transmission
- killing or isolating infectious agents
- block portal of exit
- block portal of entry
- decrease host susceptibility
what are standard precautions?
- appropriate hand
- use of PPE when appropriate
- use of transmission-based precautions
- respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
- proper handlings and cleaning of environment
- safe handling of laundry
- sharps safety
- aseptic technique for invasive procedures
what is used for contact precaution?
- gloves
- gown
- patient dedicated equipment
ex) C-diff, MRSA, VRE, RSV
*** use soap and water for C-diff
what is used for droplet precaution?
- mask
- goggles or face shield
ex.) influenza, coronavirus or pertussis
what is used for airborne precaution?
- fitted N-95 respirator
- airborne infection isolation room
- single patient room
- patient door closed
- restricted susceptible personnel room entry
order for handwashing:
1) wet
2) lather
3) scrub
4) rinse
5) dry
what are the five moments of hand hygiene?
1) before touching a patient
2) before clean/aseptic procedures
3) after body fluid exposure risk
4) after touching a patient
5) after touching patient surroundings
what are the environmental measures taken for aseptic technique?
cleaning and disinfecting of all patient care areas
ex) stethoscopes need to be cleaned before and after use for all patients
types of aseptic techniques?
- surgical = sterile
- medical = clean
what does medical asepsis mean?
clean technique
- absence of pathogens
- other microbes will be present
- equipment considered disinfectant
=> bedpans, BP cuffs, shower chairs, commodes
what does surgical asepsis mean?
sterile technique
- absence of ALL microorganisms
- special sterilization process using heat and pressure (autoclave) or ethylene oxide gas
=> surgical equipment, catheters, needles, sterile dressings
