WEEK 1: Medical Asepsis Flashcards
Define medical asepsis
A clean technique. It’s a procedure that reduce the number or organisms and prevent transfer. Examples: hand hygiene, routine environment cleaning
Define surgical asepsis
A sterile technique. Area that is free from pathogenic organisms, serves to isolate an area from the unsterile environment. Examples: OR, sterile wound change
Explain the chain of infection
Starts with
1) Germs: AKA agent…bacteria, viruses and parasites
2) Reservoir: where germs live…people, animals, food, water
3) Portal of exit: how germs get out…mouth, cuts in skin, toileting stool
4) Mode of transmission: how germs get around…contact, droplets(speak, sneeze, cough)
5) Portal of Entry: how germs get in…mouth, cuts in skin, eyes
6) Susceptible host: next sick person…babies, children, old people
What are some evidence based practice interventions to reduce germ spread?
- Dispensers
- Education posters
- Alcohol based products
Which method is most effective in reducing infections?
Alcohol-based products
When is soap and water still necessary?
1) When hands are visibly soiled
2) When caring for patients with clostridium difficile
What’s the length limit on nails?
¼ inch in length
Define the 3 modes of transmission
1) Contact:
- Direct: infectious agent to host
- Indirect: contaminated item
2) Droplet:
- Inhaling or contact with mucous membrane
- Coughing, sneezing, suctioning
3) Airborne:
- Smaller particles of evaporated: suspended in air for longer time
Name 3 categories of agents of infection
1) Bacteria: antibiotics, some are becoming resistant
2) Viruses: antibiotics don’t work, may use antiviral medication
3) Others: Fungal
What is the most effective way to control infection and prevention?
hand hygeine
Describe hand hygiene
- Handwashing (soap and water)
- Antiseptic hand washing (soap, water, and other detergent containing antiseptic agent
- Antiseptic hand rub
- Surgical hand asepsis
What are the 5 moments of hang hygiene for patient’s room?
1) Before touching the patient
2) Before clean/aseptic procedure
3) After body fluid exposure risk
4) After touching a patient
5) After touching patients surrounding
What are some barrier protection for contact, droplet and airborne
1) Contact – private room, gloves, gown
2) Droplet – private room, mask or respirator, door may remain open
3) Airborne – private room with own facilities, room negative pressure ventilation, door closed, N95 needed, pt wears mask for transportation
