Asepsis in Nursing NSC 232

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Keep the sterile area free from moisture Signup and view all the answers

When should opened containers of sterile items be dated and initialed if they are to be reused?

Upon opening the container Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign of localized infection?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of natural active immunity?

Lifelong Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered a primary defense against infection?

Skin and mucus membranes Signup and view all the answers

What are standard precautions designed to prevent?

Transmitting unidentified pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity lasts for 2 to 3 weeks?

Artificial passive immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the chain of infection?

Etiologic agent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a secondary defense against infection?

Immune response Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a mode of transmission in the chain of infection?

Direct contact Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of medical asepsis?

To confine microorganisms to a specific area Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of infection do vague symptoms typically begin to appear?

Prodromal phase Signup and view all the answers

Which infection is specifically identified as being acquired within a hospital setting?

Nosocomial infection Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of overprescribing antibiotics?

Development of resistant strains of infectious diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of an infection is characterized by the full expression of the disease symptoms?

Clinical illness Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of surgical asepsis?

To keep an area free of all microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

In what condition can a person still be contagious without showing symptoms?

Incubation period Signup and view all the answers

According to estimates, how many clients per year acquire a healthcare-associated infection?

1 million Signup and view all the answers

What is a key action to break the chain of infection concerning the etiologic agent?

Properly cleaning and disinfecting articles before use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a method to prevent infection at the reservoir level?

Changing dressings and bandages when they are soiled Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to avoid the portal of exit in infection control?

Covering open wounds and sterile fields when coughing Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective method of transmission prevention during patient care?

Performing proper hand hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is important for preventing infection at the portal of entry?

Using sterile techniques for invasive procedures Signup and view all the answers

How can one maintain the integrity of a susceptible host?

Providing the client with a balanced diet Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for disposing of soiled materials effectively?

Using moisture-proof refuse bags for disposal Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is critical when wearing sterile gloves?

Maintaining sterility of the gloves until removal Signup and view all the answers

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.