NUR 3028 - Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key principles, measurements, and procedures for medical and surgical asepsis based on the NUR 3028 lecture notes.

Asepsis

The absence of pathogens or infection.

Medical Asepsis

Also known as "clean technique," referring to practices that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens.

Surgical Asepsis

Also known as "sterile technique," referring to practices that eliminate all microorganisms from an object or area.

Sterile Field Border

The inside $1\,\text{inch}$ border of a sterile field or packaging, which is considered contaminated.

Strike Through

Contamination that occurs when a sterile object or field gets wet from a non-sterile surface or when moisture leaks through the protective barrier.

Direction of Fluid Flow

Fluid flows in the direction of gravity, which must be considered to prevent contamination of sterile areas.

Sequence for Opening a Sterile Kit

The process of placing the kit on a flat surface, opening the far flap away from the body first, opening the side flaps, and finally opening the last flap towards the body.

Height for Adding Items to a Sterile Field

Holding items at a minimum of $6\,\text{inches}$ above the sterile field when adding them to avoid contamination.

Height for Pouring Sterile Solutions

Pouring liquid from $1\text{--}2\,\text{inches}$ above the receptacle to avoid splashing and contamination.

Palming the Label

The technique of placing the palm over the bottle label when pouring sterile solutions to prevent liquid from dripping on and damaging or obscuring the label.

Rule of Sight and Waist Line

The principle that any sterile object or field held below a person's waist or placed out of the range of vision is considered contaminated.