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Medical Asepsis
Concepts
26
Nursing
Undergraduate 1
09/01/2013

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Term
Name the components of the infection cycle?
Definition
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Term
What is the difference between Medical Asepsis and Surgical Asepsis?
Definition
1)Medical Asepsis (clean technique)
Practices designed to “reduce” the number and transfer of pathogens
2)Surgical Asepsis (sterile technique)
Practices that render and keep objects and areas free
Term
Why is Medical Asepsis important?
Definition
These practices protect you and the patient from microorganisms and infection. There is a much higher risk of infection in the hospital setting: WHY?
1)Microorganisms
2)More organisms present
3)Resistant organisms
Examples: MRSA & VRE
Term
What types of patients might be more susceptible to infection?
Definition
1)Those suffering from chronic illnesses
2)Elderly/Very Young
3)Immunosupressed patients
4)Patients who have had invasive procedures/lines/tubes
5)Patients that have had multiple antibiotics prescribed/long term antibiotic use
Term
Someone who has been on multiple antibiotics for a long period of time may be prone to superinfections. What are the characteristics of superinfections?
Definition
1)Reduction in normal flora
2)Increased growth of pathogens
3)Increased development of infection
Term
What the normal barriers to infection?
Definition
1st line of defense (Intact Skin/Mucous Membranes)
Normal flora keeps harmful bacteria from invading
2nd line of defense: Inflammatory response
Protective mechanism
Neutralizes, controls, eliminates offending agent
3rd line of defense: Immune response
Term
What are the types of HAI's that you may encounter in the hospital?
Definition
Exogenous, Endogenous, and Iatrogenic
Term
What is the difference between a localized vs a systemic infection?
Definition
A localized infection is confined to a specific are or system. A systemic infection impacts multiple body or organ systems as in sepsis.
Term
What are some general things to remember regarding medical asepsis?
Definition
1)Single use items or reusable items
for one patient
2)Keep clean and dirty separate
3)Work from clean to dirty
4)Drops on floor – contaminated!
5)Once in patient room do not return to general stock
Term
What are general guidelines for working with linens?
Definition
1)Hold away from uniform
2)Fold – Don’t shake
3)Put linens directly in hampers, not on floor
4)Wear gloves if any bodily secretions noted
5)Objects sent for disinfection need to be rinsed and mechanically cleaned
Term
Define the term reservoir
Definition
The reservoir is the natural habitat of the microorganism and is a place where it can grow and multiply
Term
Define portal of exit
Definition
It is the point of escape for the microorganism. Respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts are common exit portals
Term
Define "Means of transmission"
Definition
This is how other people or animals are infected by the microorganism. Blood, food, water, fomites, vectors, etc.
Term
Define portal of entry
Definition
The portal of entry is often the same as the portal of exit; Respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breaks in the skin, etc.
Term
Define susceptible host
Definition
Microorganisms have to be able to overcome the defenses of the host for an infection to take hold. A susceptible host is anyone whose immune system can be compromised more readily than is the norm for humans
Term
What some types of infectious agents?
Definition
Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses
Term
What are the 4 stages of infection?
Definition
The incubation period, the prodromal stage, full stage of illness, and the convalescent period
Term
What is the incubation period?
Definition
The time frame from when the pathogen enters the body until until the first symptoms of infection appear
Term
What is the prodromal stage?
Definition
This is the most infectious time. Signs and symptoms are present but are vague and nonspecific
Term
How is the "Full stage of illness" characterized?
Definition
Specific signs and symptoms are present
Term
Describe the convalescent period?
Definition
The patient is recovering and signs and symptoms disappear
Term
What are basic methods of breaking the chain of infection?
Definition
1)Hand hygiene
2)sterilization
3)antibiotics/antimicrobials 4)transmission based precautions
5)use of disposable supplies
6)dry intact dressings
7)gloves
8)cover nose/mouth when sneezing 9)pesticides to eliminate vectors 10)adequate refrigeration
11)mask and appropriate protective gear 12)disposal of needles/sharps 13)immunizations
14)screen healthcare staff
Term
Outline Principles medical asepsis
Definition
1) Practice good hand hygiene
2) Keep soiled items from touching clothing
3)Don't place anything on the floor
4)Avoid the patient coughing/sneezing on others
5) Move equip away from you when scrubbing or dusting
6)avoid raising dust
7)Clean from clean to dirty
8)Dispose of soiled or used items in appropriate containers
9)Pore discarded liquids directly in the drain
10)Sterilize items that are suspected of containing pathogens
11) Use personal grooming practices that prevent the spread of microorganisms
12)Follow agency guidelines that prevent the spread of microorganisms
Term
When is it OK to use an antimicrobial rub?
Definition
1)Before and after contact with patients
2)Before and after using gloves
3)Before inserting urinary catheters or peripheral vascular catheters
4)When moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site
Term
What measures are effective in controlling HAI's?
Definition
1) Instituting constant surveillance by infection control committees
2) Having written infection control practices
3) Adherence to hand hygiene recommendations and infection control techniques
4) Keep patients in best possible condition
Term
Standard precautions (tier 1)
Definition
1) Follow hand hygiene techniques
2) Where nonsterile gloves when anticipating contact with body fluids, secretions, or excretions
3)Wear PPE during procedures and care activities where you may come in contact with fluids
4)follow cough etiquette
5)Avoid recapping used needles
6)use safe injection practices
7)wear face mask when injecting material in spinal/epidural spaces
8)Handle contaminated materials carefully to prevent spread of pathogens
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