Terminology

Question 1

Antiseptics

Answer 1

Chemical agents approved for use on the skin that inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms

Question 2

Asepsis

Answer 2

The absence of pathogenic microorganisms on an animate surface or on body tissue. Literally asepsis means without infection whereas sepsis literally means with infection. In surgery asepsis is a state of minimal or zero pathogens. Asepsis is the goal of many surgical practices

Question 3

Aseptic technique

Answer 3

Methods or practices in health care that reduce infection

Question 4

Chemical barrier

Answer 4

The barrier formed by the action of an antiseptic; it not only reduces the number of microorganisms on a surface, but also prevents recolonization for a limited period

Question 5

Contamination

Answer 5

The consequence of physical contact between a sterile surface and a nonsterile surface in surgery resulting in the potential or actual transfer of microbes from one surface to another

Question 6

Containment and confinement

Answer 6

A foundation concept of aseptic technique in which sterile and nonsterile surfaces are separated by physical barriers or distance

Question 7

Double gloving

Answer 7

Wearing two pairs of gloves, one over the other, to reduce the risk of contamination as a result of glove failure

Question 8

Gross contamination

Answer 8

Contamination of a large area of tissue by highly infective source

Question 9

Hand washing

Answer 9

A specific technique used to remove soil, debris, and dead cells from the hands. Hand washing with an antiseptic also reduces the number of microorganisms on the skin

Question 10

Nonsterile personnel

Answer 10

In surgery the team members who remain outside the boundary of the sterile field and do not come in direct contact with sterile equipment, sterile areas, or the surgical wound. The circulator, anesthesia care provider, and radiographic technician are examples of nonsterile team members

Question 11

Physical barrier

Answer 11

In surgery, a barrier that separates a sterile surface from a nonsterile surface. Examples are sterile gloves, gowns, and drapes. A physical barrier, such as the surgical cap, prevents a bacteria laden surface, such as the hair from shedding microorganisms

Question 12

Resident flora

Answer 12

Microorganisms are normally present in specific tissues. Resident flora are necessary to the regular function of these tissues or structures. Also called normal flora

Question 13

Scrub

Answer 13

The scrubbed ST or nurse assisting in surgery. Also refers to the surgical hand scrub performed before surgery

Question 14

Scrubbed personnel

Answer 14

In surgery members of the surgical team who work within the sterile field. Also called sterile personnel

Question 15

Sharps

Answer 15

Any objects that can penetrate the skin and have the potential to cause injury and infection, including but not limited to needles, scalpels, broken glass, and exposed ends of dental wires

Question 16

Sterile field

Answer 16

An area that includes the draped patient, all sterile tables, and sterile equipment in the immediate area of the patient. The patient is the center of the sterile field

Question 17

Sterile item

Answer 17

Any item or medical device that has been exposed to a process that destroys all microbes, including spores

Question 18

Sterility

Answer 18

A state in which an inanimate or animate surface harbors absolutely no viable microorganisms

Question 19

Strike through contamination

Answer 19

An event in which fluid from a nonsterile surface penetrates the protective wrapper of a sterile item, causing it to become contaminated

Question 20

Surgical conscience

Answer 20

I surgery the ethical motivation to practice excellent aseptic technique to protect the patient from infection. Surgical conscience implies that the professional practices excellent technique regardless of whether others are observing

Question 21

Surgical hand rub

Answer 21

The systematic application of antiseptic foam or gel on the hands before foaming and gloving for a sterile procedure. The surgical handrub may be used as an alternative to the traditional hand scrub under certain conditions

Question 22

Surgical hand scrub

Answer 22

A specific technique for washing the hands before donning a surgical gown and gloves before surgery. The scrub is performed with timed or counted strokes using detergent based antiseptic. The surgical hand scrub is designed to remove dirt, oils, and transient microorganisms and reduce the number of resident microorganisms

Question 23

Surgical wound

Answer 23

The superficial and deep tissue layers of the surgical incision. This is the center of the surgical field

Question 24

Surgical site infection

Answer 24

Postoperative infection of the surgical wound. The goal of surgical skin prep is to prevent postoperative wound infection

Question 25

Transient flora

Answer 25

Microorganisms that do not normally reside in the tissue of an individual. Transient microorganisms are acquired through skin contact with an animate or inanimate source colonized by microbes. Transient flora may be removed by routine methods of skin cleaning