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Questions and Answers
Which principle of sterile technique ensures that only sterile individuals come in contact with sterile items?
Which principle of sterile technique ensures that only sterile individuals come in contact with sterile items?
- Sterile items can be touched by anyone
- Sterile fields are maintained by all staff
- Unsterile persons can also handle sterile items
- Sterile persons touch only sterile items or areas (correct)
What is the purpose of blocking the portal of exit from the reservoir in infection control?
What is the purpose of blocking the portal of exit from the reservoir in infection control?
- To eliminate the organism completely
- To isolate the infected individuals from uninfected
- To prevent the organism from spreading to new hosts (correct)
- To reduce susceptibility of the host
Which action is considered the most effective for controlling the spread of infection in a clinical setting?
Which action is considered the most effective for controlling the spread of infection in a clinical setting?
- Isolating all infected patients
- Wearing gloves during all procedures
- Thorough hand cleansing (correct)
- Administering antibiotics to all patients
What is an important guideline regarding the integrity of the sterile field?
What is an important guideline regarding the integrity of the sterile field?
When should opened containers of sterile items be dated and initialed if they are to be reused?
When should opened containers of sterile items be dated and initialed if they are to be reused?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of localized infection?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of localized infection?
What is the duration of natural active immunity?
What is the duration of natural active immunity?
Which factor is considered a primary defense against infection?
Which factor is considered a primary defense against infection?
What are standard precautions designed to prevent?
What are standard precautions designed to prevent?
Which type of immunity lasts for 2 to 3 weeks?
Which type of immunity lasts for 2 to 3 weeks?
What is the first step in the chain of infection?
What is the first step in the chain of infection?
Which of the following is a secondary defense against infection?
Which of the following is a secondary defense against infection?
Which is an example of a mode of transmission in the chain of infection?
Which is an example of a mode of transmission in the chain of infection?
What is the primary goal of medical asepsis?
What is the primary goal of medical asepsis?
During which phase of infection do vague symptoms typically begin to appear?
During which phase of infection do vague symptoms typically begin to appear?
Which infection is specifically identified as being acquired within a hospital setting?
Which infection is specifically identified as being acquired within a hospital setting?
What is a significant consequence of overprescribing antibiotics?
What is a significant consequence of overprescribing antibiotics?
Which phase of an infection is characterized by the full expression of the disease symptoms?
Which phase of an infection is characterized by the full expression of the disease symptoms?
What is the role of surgical asepsis?
What is the role of surgical asepsis?
In what condition can a person still be contagious without showing symptoms?
In what condition can a person still be contagious without showing symptoms?
According to estimates, how many clients per year acquire a healthcare-associated infection?
According to estimates, how many clients per year acquire a healthcare-associated infection?
What is a key action to break the chain of infection concerning the etiologic agent?
What is a key action to break the chain of infection concerning the etiologic agent?
Which of the following correctly describes a method to prevent infection at the reservoir level?
Which of the following correctly describes a method to prevent infection at the reservoir level?
What should be done to avoid the portal of exit in infection control?
What should be done to avoid the portal of exit in infection control?
What is an effective method of transmission prevention during patient care?
What is an effective method of transmission prevention during patient care?
Which practice is important for preventing infection at the portal of entry?
Which practice is important for preventing infection at the portal of entry?
How can one maintain the integrity of a susceptible host?
How can one maintain the integrity of a susceptible host?
What is a recommended practice for disposing of soiled materials effectively?
What is a recommended practice for disposing of soiled materials effectively?
Which practice is critical when wearing sterile gloves?
Which practice is critical when wearing sterile gloves?
Study Notes
Asepsis
- Medical asepsis aims to confine specific microorganisms; practices limit their growth and transmission.
- Surgical asepsis requires sterile techniques to eliminate all microorganisms and is critical for procedures involving sterile body areas.
Infection Phases
- Incubation Period: Time from pathogen exposure to symptom onset; can be contagious without symptoms. Example durations: Flu (1-4 days), Hepatitis B (1.5-6 months).
- Prodromal Phase: Initial vague symptoms like fatigue and low-grade fever appear, varying by disease.
- Clinical Illness: Full symptom manifestation occurs, including fever, diarrhea, and cough, dependent on the pathogen.
- Convalescence: Gradual resolution of symptoms, allowing return to normal activities, contingent on original health.
Nosocomial Infections
- One million clients annually acquire hospital-acquired infections (HAIs); these contribute significantly to preventable deaths.
- About 1 in 31 hospital patients may have an HAI on any given day, as noted by the CDC.
Signs of Infection
- Localized Infections: Signs include swelling, redness, tenderness, heat, and loss of function.
- Systemic Infections: Symptoms consist of fever, increased heart and respiratory rates, malaise, lymphadenopathy, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Defenses Against Infection
- Primary Defenses: Include skin, mucous membranes, respiratory system (mucous and cilia), gastrointestinal tract (high acidity and flora), and urinary tract.
- Secondary Defenses: Involve the inflammatory response and the immune system.
Immunity Types
- Active Immunity: Host produces antibodies from exposure to natural or artificial antigens; includes natural (lifelong) and artificial (years, requires boosters).
- Passive Immunity: Temporary immunity received from other sources, such as maternal antibodies (6 months to 1 year) or injected immune serum (2-3 weeks).
Standard Precautions
- Employ these with all patients to minimize transmission risks and manage bloodborne pathogens.
- Use in conjunction with other isolation precautions when necessary.
Isolation Precautions
- Include specific categories: strict isolation, respiratory isolation, contact isolation, tuberculosis isolation, enteric precautions, and blood/body fluid precautions.
Chain of Infection
- Consists of six components: etiologic agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
Breaking the Chain of Infection
- Etiologic Agent: Practices of cleaning and sterilizing equipment to eliminate pathogens.
- Reservoir (Source): Maintain cleanliness with dressings, linens, and fluid disposal management.
- Portal of Exit: Prevent contamination by avoiding exposure of open wounds to respiratory droplets.
- Mode of Transmission: Promote hand hygiene and proper disposal of contaminated materials.
- Portal of Entry: Use sterile techniques for invasive procedures and safe disposal of needles.
- Susceptible Host: Ensure skin integrity, balanced nutrition, and public education on immunizations.
Sterile Technique Principles
- Always use sterile items within sterile fields.
- Ensure sterile personnel are gowned and gloved.
- Keep sterile tables at waist height and in view to maintain their sterility.
- Follow strict procedures to avoid contaminating sterile areas, including discarding expired items.
Key Questions
- For chronic carriers of infection, blocking the portal of exit is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
- Thorough hand cleansing is deemed the most effective action to control infection spread.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of asepsis in nursing, focusing on both medical and surgical techniques. This quiz covers practices aimed at controlling microorganisms and maintaining sterile environments. Perfect for NSC 232 Traditional Fall 2024 students.
