Questions and Answers
What is surgical asepsis?
Includes procedures used to eliminate all microorganisms and is also known as sterile technique.
What is the purpose of ______?
surgical asepsis
What is medical asepsis?
Decreases the number of microorganisms and uses clean technique.
When should surgical asepsis be used?
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What should be applied in the OR setting for surgical asepsis?
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What is important in patient preparation before a sterile procedure?
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Failure to follow principles of surgical asepsis can result in infection.
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A sterile object remains sterile only when touched by another ______ object.
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Sterile packages must be clean, dry, intact, and have proof of ______.
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What contaminants affect a sterile field?
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What three ways can we sterilize and disinfect?
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What assesses physiological conditions for surgical asepsis?
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Assess the psychological state/coping of the client; clients often experience ______.
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How does a client's developmental stage influence surgical asepsis?
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How does a client's sociocultural background influence the use of surgical asepsis?
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What are some nursing diagnoses related to surgical asepsis?
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What factors can disrupt a sterile procedure?
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What should you do during the implementation of sterile technique?
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What should you evaluate after a procedure?
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Study Notes
Surgical Asepsis Overview
- Surgical asepsis, also known as sterile technique, eliminates all microorganisms to prevent infection.
- Contamination can occur by touching non-sterile objects.
Purpose of Surgical Asepsis
- Aims to prevent the transfer of microorganisms and subsequent infections.
Comparison: Surgical vs. Medical Asepsis
- Surgical asepsis eliminates all microorganisms via sterile techniques.
- Medical asepsis reduces the number of microorganisms using clean techniques.
Applications of Surgical Asepsis
- Used in operating rooms (OR), labor and delivery, bedside procedures like catheterization, IV insertion, and wound care.
- Essential for any procedure involving intentional skin perforation or when skin integrity is compromised.
Protocols in the Operating Room
- Surgical hand scrubs, wearing protective masks, eyewear, caps, gowns, and sterile gloves are mandatory.
Bedside Practices
- Handwashing, sterile gloves, and masks are necessary precautions.
Patient Preparation
- Education about procedures, maintaining calm, and avoiding contamination by not touching sterile areas.
Principles of Surgical Asepsis
- Inadequate adherence can lead to infections, including healthcare-associated infections, which number around 2 million annually in the U.S.
Sterility of Objects
- A sterile object only stays sterile when in contact with another sterile object; contact with anything else leads to contamination.
- All sterile packages must be clean, dry, intact, and labeled with proof of sterility.
Visibility and Handling of Sterile Fields
- Sterile fields must remain visible; contamination can occur by excessive movement or exposure to air.
- Contact with wet or contaminated surfaces leads to contamination through capillary action.
Contamination Awareness
- The edges of a sterile field are considered contaminated; a 1-inch border is maintained.
- Skin is inherently contaminated and cannot be sterilized.
Maintaining Aseptic Technique
- Awareness, alertness, and honesty are critical to maintain surgical asepsis, as contamination may not be visually obvious.
Sterilization Methods
- Methods include moist heat (autoclave), chemical sterilants, gas (ethylene oxide), boiling water, and radiation.
Patient Assessment Variables
- Neuman’s Variables: Physiological, Psychological, Developmental, Sociocultural, and Spiritual factors should be assessed before surgical procedures.
Psychological and Developmental Considerations
- Awareness of the patient’s psychological state and developmental stage can affect their coping mechanisms and response to surgical asepsis.
Sociocultural and Religious Considerations
- Cultural backgrounds should guide practices, and patients should be consulted about their preferences.
- Spiritual beliefs may affect the timing and conduct of procedures.
Nursing Diagnoses Related to Surgical Asepsis
- Common nursing diagnoses include risk for infection, impaired skin integrity, fear/anxiety, and knowledge deficits about the procedure.
Factors Disrupting Sterile Procedures
- Pain, anxiety, movement, and equipment readiness are potential disruptions to maintaining sterile procedures.
Implementation of Aseptic Techniques
- Collect enough supplies, including extras, and maintain the principles of surgical asepsis throughout the procedure.
Post-Procedure Evaluation
- Assess and document patient responses, monitor for infection signs, and evaluate outcomes post-procedure, including pain management.
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Description
Explore the principles and protocols of surgical asepsis in this quiz. Learn about the importance of eliminating microorganisms to prevent infection, the comparison between surgical and medical asepsis, and the application of these techniques in various medical settings. Test your knowledge on the required practices for maintaining a sterile environment.
