Chapter 35: Infection Control Practices

Medical Asepsis

Clean technique to reduce and prevent spread of microorganisms

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile technique to eliminate all microorganisms

HAI

Healthcare- Associated infection

SSI

Surgical Site Infection

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus

CLABSI

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection

CAUTI

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Medical Asepsis Goal:

Reduce microorganisms after they leave the body

Surgical Asepsis Goal:

Keep organisms from entering the body

Standard Precautions

Include hand hygiene, PPE use, and respiratory hygiene

PPE Order (On):

Gown → Mask → Gloves

PPE Order (Off)

Gloves → Gown → Mask

Safe Injection Practices

Required due to hepatitis outbreaks (CDC Guidelines).

EPA-Approved Disinfectants or 1:10 bleach

Used for contaminated surfaces

Critical

Ex: Surgical Instruments Disinfection level: Must be sterilized

Semi-critical

Ex: Endoscopes Disinfection level: High-level disinfection

Non-Critical

BP cuffs, stethoscopes Disinfection level: low-level disinfeciton

MRSA

Staph, causes skin abscesses

CLABSI

Central line bacteria entry, use sterile techniques

CAUTI

Urinary catheter, limit use and duration

SSI

Often endogenous (from patient’s own flora), 3% of surgical patients affected

What happens if not CDC compliance

• Increased infection rates, legal liability, regulatory fines, loss of reputation, financial losses, staff turnover.

• Ethical breaches and lower patient satisfaction.

• Operational disruptions and potential loss of licensure.

Surgical asepsis = clean technique

False, → No, that's medical asepsis.

Invasive procedures break the skin/membrane

True

HAIs can be acquired in any healthcare setting.

True

Surgical infections are usually endogenous, not exogenous.

False

PPE Examples:

Gloves, Gowns, Masks, Goggles, Face Shields

Blood/Body Fluids

Wash, report, medical evaluation

Needlestick

Do not squeeze wound, wash and report

Chemical exposure

Rinse immediately, remove contaminated clothes, report

CDC

Centers of Disease Control & Prevention

WHO

World Health Organization

HBV

Hepatitis B Virus

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration