Asepsis
Medical asepsis
-Includes all practices intended to confine a specific microorganism to a specific area
-Limits the number, growth, and transmission of microorganisms
-Objects referred to as clean or dirty (soiled, contaminated)
Surgical asepsis
-Sterile technique
-Practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms
-Practices that destroy all microorganisms and spores
-Used for all procedures involving sterile areas of the body
Principles of Aseptic Technique
1. Only sterile items are used within sterile field.
2. Sterile objects become unsterile when touched by unsterile objects.
3. Sterile items that are out of vision or below the waist level of the nurse are considered unsterile.
4. Sterile objects can become unsterile by prolong exposure to airborne microorganisms.
5. Fluids flow in the direction of gravity.
6. Moisture that passes through a sterile object draws microorganism from unsterile surfaces above or below to the surface by capillary reaction.
7. The edges of a sterile field are considered unsterile.
8. The skin cannot be sterilized and is unsterile.
9. Conscientiousness, alertness and honesty are essential qualities in maintaining surgical asepsis
Infection
-Signs of Localized Infection
-Localized swelling
-Localized redness
-Pain or tenderness with palpation or movement
-Palpable heat in the infected area
-Loss of function of the body part affected, depending on the site and extent of involvement
Signs of Systemic Infection
-Fever
-Increased pulse and respiratory rate if the fever high
-Malaise and loss of energy
-Anorexia and, in some situations, nausea and vomiting
-Enlargement and tenderness of lymph nodes that drain the area of infection
Factors Influencing Microorganism’s Capability to Produce Infection
-Number of microorganisms present
-Virulence and potency of the microorganisms (pathogenicity)
