Perioperative Infection Control Flashcards
what is a surgical site infection a type of?
hospital acquired infection
what is classed as a hospital acquired infection?
any infection which occurs from when a patient goes into hospital up to 30 days post discharge
what is one of the most common nosocomial infections?
SSI
what are the 3 broad factors that can contribute to SSI?
patient
surgery
environment
what can the development of SSI lead to?
poor healing
delayed healing time
increased medical costs
possible revision surgery
detrimental effect on client relationships
reduced patient welfare
increased antibiotic use
what is important when discussing surgery with owners?
highlight risk of SSI in any surgery
what is the main issue with increased antibiotic use?
risk of resistant infection
antibiotic stewardship
what are the steps to take when a SSI is suspected?
identify infection location
assess the extent of the infection
culture for targeted antibiotics
good wound management
good infection control techniques
what should be assessed about the extent of an SSI?
size
is it just around the wound
is it deeper and involved with implants
what is involved in good wound management?
aseptic handling
keep clean
apply dressings as needed
what is required for SSI to form?
introduction of microorganisms into the surgical wound
what are the sources of SSI?
exogenous
endogenous
where do exogenous sources of SSI originate from?
source outside of the patient (e.g. surgeon, equipment or environment)
where do endogenous sources of SSI originate from?
the patient themselves (e.g. patient flora)
what source do most SSIs originate from?
endogenous
what areas of preop management require compliance in order to reduce SSI?
antimicrobial prophylaxis
pre-op bathing
hair removal
aseptic prep
care of prepped surgical site
hand hygiene
what is the most crucial factor in preventing SSI?
hand hygiene
what can be done to prevent endogenous sources of SSI?
thorough clipping
no clipper rash
large margins
removal of hair from trolley
correct skin prep with right solution and contact time
what are the factors which predispose SSI?
patient
environment
treatment
what can be done to prevent exogenous sources of SSI?
good surgeon compliance with prep
equipment sterilisation
environment well cleaned and managed
what are the main patient factors which may influence SSI?
body condition or age
immunosuppression
endocrinopathies
remote infection
skin disease
recent operation
prior site radiation
perioperative temperature
how may body condition affect risk of SSI?
malnutrition could lead to lowered albumin and so poorer immune response
how may age affect risk of SSI?
less able to fight infection
over 10 - poor immune response
under 1 year - underdeveloped immune system
how may immunosuppression or endocrinopathies affect risk of SSI?
reduced ability to fight infection
may be on medical therapy like steroids which affects immunity
how may remote infection affect risk of SSI?
seeding of infection
bacteria already in blood stream
how can you be aware of remote infection before surgery?
may not always be aware
look for other wounds / areas of infection
how may skin disease affect risk of SSI?
bacteria from skin surface can enter wound
how may skin disease affect surgery?
elective procedures may be postponed until skin has healed
how may recent operation affect risk of SSI?
suture material is FB
tissue adhesions
how may perioperative temperature affect risk of SSI?
vasoconstriction is hypothermic may affect blood flow to wound and limit WBC
what are the main environment factors which may influence SSI?
patient prep
cross contamination
aseptic technique
theatre conduct
cleaning methods
inadequate ventilation
how can patient prep be performed to reduce SSI risk?
separate area for prep
correct products used for prep with correct contact time
avoid pre clipping
clip well and throughly (no rash or left hair)