module 2 (surgical asepsis) Flashcards
define: asepsis
the process for keeping away disease-producing microorganisms
define: aseptic technique
practices designed to render an area and objects as free from microorganisms
2 types: medical & surgical
medical asepsis/ clean technique is?
procedures used to reduce and prevent spread of microorganisms
includes: hand hygiene, gloves with bodily fluids
in medical asepsis an area or object is considered contaminated when?
if it contains or is suspected of containing microorganisms
example used bedpan, floor, used dressing
surgical asepsis/ sterile technique?
requires precautions different from medical
-procedures to ELIMINATE all microorganisms including spores from an object or area
contamination- (sterile technique)
occurs when its touching by any object that is not sterile
-the slightest break in technique causes contamination
when should surgical asepsis be used?
- procedures that require intentional preforation of pts skin (insertion of IV catherer, admin of injection)
- when skin integrity is broken (trauma, surgical incision, burn)
- procedures that involve insertion of catheter or surgical instrument into sterile body cavities
- in OR (obviously)
- also at bedside (IVs, catheters, suctioning tracheaobronchial airway, reapplying sterile dressings)
in the OR nurses must:
-apply mask, protective eyewear, cap
-surgical hand scrub
-sterile gloves and gown
to prevent infection!!!!
7 principles of surgical asepsis?
- a sterile object remains sterile only when touched by another sterile object
- only sterile objects may be placed on a sterile field
- a sterile object or field out of the range of vision or an object held below a persons waist is contaminated
- a sterile object or field becomes contaminated by prolonged exposure to air
- when a sterile surface comes in contact w/ a wet, contaminated surface, the sterile object or field becomes contaminated by capillary action
- fluid flows in the direction of gravity. a sterile object becomes contaminated if gravity causes contaminated fluid to flow over the objects surface
- the edges of a sterile field or container are considered to be contaminated
sterilization=
destroys all microorganisms and their spores
nurse performing sterile changing at bedside may only:
wash hands and apply sterile gloves
always explain the procedure to the patient and how to avoid contaminating sterile items, which includes?
-avoiding sudden body movements, refraining from touching sterile supplies, avoiding coughing or talking over sterile area
most common means in OR of sterilization?
steam sterilization
to avoid contamination during a surgical hand scrub, the nurse..?
holds their hands above their elbows and allows water to flow downward without contaminating the hands and fingers
____ border around edges of a sterile package is considered unsterile when opened?
2.5 cm border
any question of sterility?
object is considered unstable
sterile barrier that has been permeated by punctures, tears, moisture must be considered?
cotaminated
how to apply Cap/mask/eyewear?
- apply a cap (secure hair in place with pins)
- apply mask
- apply eyewear
- apply gloves
how to remove protective barriers?
gloves first
- untie bottom strings of mask, then top and remove mask from face holding ties securely
- remove eyewear, avoiding placing hands over soiled linens
- grasp outer surface of cap and lift from hair
- hand hygiene
a sterile field=
provides a sterile surface for placement of sterile equipment
- free of microorganisms
- may be inside a sterile kit, a work surface with a sterile towel, table covered with large sterile drape
important consideration when preparing a sterile field?
assess for latex allergies of patient, check sterile package integrity, anticipate number of supplies needed
