Nursing Chapter 7: Asepsis and Infection Control

Surgical Asepsis and Medical Asepsis

• Surgical asepsis, also known as sterile technique, is vital for preventing infections during procedures.
• Medical asepsis focuses on cleanliness and preventing the spread of pathogens; keeping bed linens off the floor exemplifies this.

Bacterial Forms and Infections

• Bacteria can form spores, which are dormant states occurring under unfavorable conditions; spores allow for survival in harsh environments.
• Sensitivity tests help determine which antibiotics effectively stop bacterial growth, crucial for targeted treatments.

Common Bacteria and Their Impact

• Streptococcus is the leading bacterium responsible for a wide array of diseases compared to other organisms.

Viral vs. Bacterial Infections

• Viral infections, unlike bacterial ones, are not treatable with antibiotics; they require different management strategies.
• Ringworm, often a concern for patients, is caused by fungi, not worms or other pathogens.

Infection Prevention Practices

• Hand hygiene is the most important measure in breaking the chain of infection, essential for nurses between patient interactions.
• A fomite, such as a contaminated stethoscope, can serve as a vehicle for transmitting infections.

Recognizing Inflammatory Responses

• Signs of inflammation in surgical wounds include rubor (redness) and edema (swelling); these indicate potential infections.

Infection Control Education

• Staff education on aseptic practices is fundamental for controlling health care-associated infections in practice settings.

Needlestick Injuries and Response

• Needlestick injuries require prompt reporting and treatment, specifically for managing potential exposure to hepatitis B.

Proper Handling of Contaminated Materials

• When disposing of linens contaminated with feces, standard precautions require only the use of gloves, not more extensive protective measures.

Psychological Considerations in Isolation

• Patients in isolation may experience psychological distress; spending extra time with these patients helps alleviate feelings of deprivation.

Aseptic Technique Observations

• It is crucial not to touch the edges of a sterile field as they are considered non-sterile, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to surgical asepsis.

Sterilization Methods

• Sterilization effectively eliminates all microorganisms, including spores, with steam under pressure being the most dependable method.

Transmission of Diseases

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever is contracted through tick bites; it is not contagious among humans.
• Malaria results from protozoa transmitted by mosquito bites; understanding vectors is essential for disease prevention.

Identifying Infections in Patients

• Tuberculosis symptoms include hemoptysis (coughing up blood), with greatest exposure risk occurring before a diagnosis is made.

Infection Control Standards

• Correct disposal of sharp instruments requires designated puncture-proof containers to avoid injury and contamination.

General Microorganism Characteristics

• Microorganisms can be infectious and may enter the body through various routes such as skin, air, or blood; pathogens specifically lead to diseases.

Bacterial Transmission Methods

• Bacterial infections can spread through actions like kissing, sneezing, or improper disposal of tissues, highlighting the importance of hygiene practices.### Characteristics of Microorganisms
• Antibiotic resistance is a concern; some bacteria can defend against antibiotics.
• Bacteria may form a capsule, a sticky protein layer that blocks antibiotic entry into the cell.

Bacterial Capsules

• Capsules enhance bacterial survival by preventing antibiotic penetration.
• Understanding bacterial structures is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Asepsis

• Surgical asepsis entails the complete destruction of all microorganisms and their spores.
• Essential for maintaining sterile conditions in surgical settings to prevent infections.