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Questions and Answers
Which of the following scenarios poses the HIGHEST risk of wound infection due to the nature of the wound itself?
Which of the following scenarios poses the HIGHEST risk of wound infection due to the nature of the wound itself?
- A clean surgical incision made under sterile conditions.
- A deep puncture wound contaminated with soil. (correct)
- A superficial paper cut on a healthy individual.
- A well-managed thermal burn with minimal tissue damage.
A patient undergoing elective knee replacement surgery is assessed to determine the need for prophylactic antibiotics. Which factor would MOST strongly suggest the necessity for antibiotic prophylaxis?
A patient undergoing elective knee replacement surgery is assessed to determine the need for prophylactic antibiotics. Which factor would MOST strongly suggest the necessity for antibiotic prophylaxis?
- The patient is generally healthy with no existing infections.
- The patient has a known history of MRSA colonization. (correct)
- The patient has a history of seasonal allergies.
- The patient has a slightly elevated white blood cell count.
During a surgical procedure, a circulating nurse observes a breach in sterile technique that leads to potential contamination of the surgical site. According to the information provided, what is the MOST critical timeframe for intervention to minimize the risk of subsequent wound infection?
During a surgical procedure, a circulating nurse observes a breach in sterile technique that leads to potential contamination of the surgical site. According to the information provided, what is the MOST critical timeframe for intervention to minimize the risk of subsequent wound infection?
- Within 24 hours after contamination.
- After visible signs of infection appear.
- Within the first 3 hours after contamination. (correct)
- Immediately before wound closure.
A patient with diabetes develops a foot ulcer with significant necrotic tissue. Which of the following factors associated with the wound environment is MOST likely to impair the body's ability to combat infection?
A patient with diabetes develops a foot ulcer with significant necrotic tissue. Which of the following factors associated with the wound environment is MOST likely to impair the body's ability to combat infection?
A surgeon is closing a surgical wound and applies sutures. Which of the following suture techniques would MOST likely increase the risk of wound infection?
A surgeon is closing a surgical wound and applies sutures. Which of the following suture techniques would MOST likely increase the risk of wound infection?
Which of the following patient conditions would MOST significantly increase the susceptibility to wound infections?
Which of the following patient conditions would MOST significantly increase the susceptibility to wound infections?
A patient presents with a traumatic wound acquired while gardening. What type of environmental pathogen should be of PRIMARY concern in this case?
A patient presents with a traumatic wound acquired while gardening. What type of environmental pathogen should be of PRIMARY concern in this case?
An abdominal stab wound contaminated by colonic bacteria increases the risk of infection. What is this an example of?
An abdominal stab wound contaminated by colonic bacteria increases the risk of infection. What is this an example of?
What is NOT a factor contributing to wound infections?
What is NOT a factor contributing to wound infections?
A patient has undergone a splenectomy and is now at higher risk of infection. What is the BEST plan?
A patient has undergone a splenectomy and is now at higher risk of infection. What is the BEST plan?
Flashcards
Wounds Prone to Infection
Wounds Prone to Infection
Surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, deep cuts, thermal burns, compound fractures and Physiological wounds such as Endometrial surface post-placenta separation and Umbilical stump are prone to infections.
Sources of Wound Infections
Sources of Wound Infections
Patient's normal flora, exogenous contamination (e.g., from staff), and environmental pathogens (e.g., soil bacteria) are sources of wound infection
Factors: Wound Infections
Factors: Wound Infections
Microbial dose and virulence, wound condition (necrosis, edema, poor oxygenation/blood supply), and patient health/immune response influence wound infections.
Wound Conditions & Infection
Wound Conditions & Infection
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Preventing Wound Infections
Preventing Wound Infections
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Prophylactic Antibiotics
Prophylactic Antibiotics
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Critical Timeframe
Critical Timeframe
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Study Notes
- Wounds susceptible to infection include surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, deep cuts, thermal burns, compound fractures, frostbite necrosis, and physiological wounds like the endometrial surface post-placenta separation and umbilical stumps.
Sources of Wound Infection
- Patient's normal flora can cause wound infections. An example includes an abdominal stab wound being contaminated by colonic bacteria.
- Exogenous contamination results in wound infections. An example includes a clean surgical wound in the OR being contaminated with S. aureus from hospital staff or fomites.
- Environmental pathogens can lead to wound infections. An example includes a Clostridium tetani spores from the soil entering a splinter.
Factors That Contribute to Wound Infections
- Microbial contamination dose
- Microbial virulence
- Wound condition
- Necrosis
- Edema
- Poor oxygenation
- Poor blood supply
- Vascular strangulation due to excessively tight sutures
- Patient’s health status and immune response
Prevention of Wound Infections
- The first 3 hours after contamination is critical.
- Prophylactic antibiotics should be given before surgery.
- Antibiotics are only given for high-risk surgeries.
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