Sterile procedures 1

Question 1

What is asepsis?

Answer 1

Asepsis is defined as the absence of pathogens.

Question 2

What are the two basic types of asepsis?

Answer 2

1. Medical asepsis
2. Surgical asepsis

Question 2

What is antisepsis?

Answer 2

• Antisepsis is the process of killing microorganisms or limiting their growth on the skin and non-living objects.
• Common antiseptics include rubbing alcohol and iodine.

Question 2

What is surgical asepsis?

Answer 2

Surgical asepsis, or “sterile technique,” involves practices that completely kill and eliminate microorganisms.

Question 2

What is the purpose of aseptic technique?

Answer 2

Aseptic technique protects patients from healthcare-associated infections and protects healthcare workers from contact with blood, body fluid, and body tissue.

Question 3

What is medical asepsis?

Answer 3

• Medical asepsis, or “clean technique,” involves practices that kill some microorganisms to prevent them from spreading

Question 3

What are the components of medical asepsis?

Answer 3

• sanitization
• antisepsis
• disinfection

Question 3

What is sanitization?

Answer 3

• Sanitization refers to cleaning practices and techniques that physically remove microorganisms.
• Examples include hand washing and cleaning of clients’ personal equipment, clothing, and linens.

Question 4

What are some methods of sterilization?

Answer 4

• chemical,
• heat,
• steam,
• radiation
• gas.

Question 4

What is disinfection?

Answer 4

• Disinfection is the process of killing microorganisms on objects using chemicals called disinfectants.
• It cannot destroy spores.

Question 4

What is surgical asepsis acquired through?

Answer 4

• Acquired through a process known as sterilization, which is the complete destruction of microorganisms and spores.

Question 5

Why is noncompliance with sterile practice standards dangerous?

Answer 5

Noncompliance with sterile practice standards can lead to the introduction of infectious microorganisms to the patient, staff, and the environment.

Question 6

What factors affect the effectiveness of sterilization?

Answer 6

• Type of microorganisms’ present
• Number of microorganisms present
• Amount and type of organic material protecting the microorganisms
• Number of cracks on an instrument that might harbor microorganisms

Question 7

Why is it important to remove organic matter from instruments before sterilization?

Answer 7

Organic matter like blood or tissue can shield microorganisms during the sterilization process, making it less effective.

Question 8

What is the role of the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD)?

Answer 8

The CSSD is responsible for the sterilization of medical equipment.