Unit 5: Asepsis Flashcards
Define asepsis
The absence of viable pathogenic organisms
Define and discuss the meaning and practices of medical asepsis
Practice of reducing pathogens and the spread of infection
Hand washing: the #1 way to stop the spread of infection
Chemical disinfectant
Define and discuss the meaning and practices of surgical asepsis
Eliminating all pathogens by using a sterile technique
Describe the persistence of microorganisms in the healthcare environment
Microorganisms can survive on beds, charts, pens, and salad bars
Describe the basic growth requirements for microorganisms
They can survive in water or the correct temperature (120 degrees)
Most viruses last for days in surfaces
Bacteria and fungi last for months on certain surfaces
Describe methods used to control microorganisms in the healthcare environment
Moist heat
Dry heat
Gas
Chemicals
Radiation
Describe and discuss rules for surgical asepsis
Basic principles regarding the use of sterile items
Basic principles of working around sterile fields
Don’t touch: don’t touch sterile items with non sterile items
Hands up: keep hands above waist at all times to remain sterile
Waist up: anything below the waist level is non sterile / contaminanted
Back to back: pass behind sterile Person to avoid possible contaminating
Don’t leave open sterile fields unattended
Discuss basic principals to sterile packaging to include
A). Opening packaging
Transferring to others
Adding items
B). Principals of event related sterility
A). 1. Unwrap without touching the inside
Open last flap towards you
2. Use the dirty person as help
3. Peel and plop to add items
B). Sterility doesn’t expire it only becomes non sterile if contaminated with microorganisms
1. Don’t open until needed
2. Most packages are doubled wrapped
3. Wash your hands
Describe , discuss , and demonstrate principles and practices for donning sterile gloves
- practice putting on sterile gloves
Goal is to not contaminate the glove
Grab glove by cuff and pull on using one hand
Hook the second glove
Push the 2nd sterile glove on other hand
Adjust gloves only using sterile outside
Describe and discuss principles and practices for donning sterile gowns
- practice putting on gowns
Lead apron goes on first then your gown
Place arms through sleeves and neck and waist ties can be secured by a non sterile person
Sterile person can not reach behind them
Describe and discuss basic principles of surgical skin preparation
For skin prep use an antiseptic ( iodine/betadine) or chlorohexadine
Use is a circular motion
From inside to out
And do this 2-3 times ( new swab each time)
Describe and discuss basic principles of surgical draping
Don’t reposition once drape is in place
Don’t reach over drapes
“Dirty people “ should stay 12” away to avoid contamination
Fenestrated drape : a drape with a hole
Describe and discuss dressings and dressing changes and how healthcare workers should not attempt dressing changes without proper training
Dressing changes vary greatly by :
Wet to dry
Dry to wet
And what lies beneath
Describe and discuss rules for medical waste, disposal
A) sharps
B) glass
C) linen
D) biohazardous and regulated medical waste
A) sharps go in the red sharps container to prevent injury
( needles, scalpels, disposable scissors, anything sharp)
B) glass goes in the glass box ( broken or non broken)
C) All linen is contaminated. If dripping double bag it
D) Regulated medical waste : red can, use if item contains enough fluid to spread pathogens
Infectious waste: anything that contains blood that is wet
Pee and poop go in toilet ( code brown)
Describe basic principle for cleaning contaminated surfaces
Remove excess blood or fluid
Spray surface with disinfectant (may have to let it sit)
Then clean
