BIOS 2210 Chapter 13 Flashcards

What is the difference between sterile and aseptic?

Sterile is completely free of all living microbes, including spores, while aseptic minimizes contamination with pathogens but is not necessarily microbe-free.

Define antiseptic

A chemical used on living tissue to reduce or kill microbes (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, iodine).

Define disinfectant

A chemical used on non-living surfaces to destroy or inhibit microbes (e.g., bleach, Lysol).

When should you apply antiseptic but not disinfectant?

Before giving an injection, antiseptic is used to clean skin to avoid tissue damage that a disinfectant could cause.

What is the mode of action of alcohol hand gel?

Denatures proteins and disrupts lipid membranes, killing many bacteria and some viruses.

Why might hand gel be less effective than soap and water?

It doesn’t remove dirt, debris, or spores and is ineffective against some non-enveloped viruses or Clostridioides difficile.

What is the proper handwashing technique?

Wet hands with water, apply soap and scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a clean towel or air dry.

What is a hospital-acquired infection (HAI)?

An infection a patient gets during a hospital stay that was not present at admission.

What is the #1 way to prevent HAIs?

Proper hand hygiene, either by washing hands or using sanitizer.

Examples of bacterial HAIs

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and C. difficile (Clostridioides difficile).

What does it mean for something to be sterile?

It is completely free of all living microbes.

What is aseptic technique?

A method to minimize contamination from pathogens.

What are common antiseptics?

Examples include hydrogen peroxide and iodine.

What are common disinfectants?

Examples include bleach and Lysol.

Why is using an antiseptic crucial before injections?

To avoid tissue damage that could occur with a disinfectant.

What type of action do alcohol-based hand sanitizers have?

They denature proteins and disrupt lipid membranes.

What substances do hand gels fail to remove?

Dirt, debris, or spores.

What viruses may be resistant to hand gel?

Some non-enveloped viruses and Clostridioides difficile.

Steps for effective handwashing include

Wet hands, apply soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse, and dry.

What characterizes a hospital-acquired infection?

An infection acquired during a hospital stay, not present at the time of admission.

What is essential for preventing HAIs?

Proper hand hygiene.

What is the full form of MRSA?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Which bacterial infection is caused by Clostridioides difficile?

It can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues.

What does 'aseptic' mean in medical procedures?

Techniques aimed at maintaining a sterile environment.

What is the importance of antiseptics in medical settings?

They are used to clean living tissues to prevent infections.

What defines a disinfectant’s use?

It is meant for non-living surfaces to kill microbes.

Why is alcohol gel not as effective as soap?

Because it does not remove physical dirt and some pathogens.

What is the critical reason for thorough handwashing?

To remove contaminants and prevent infections.

What is one main reason hospitals focus on hand hygiene?

To reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

How does MRSA affect patients?

It can cause serious infections that are resistant to standard antibiotics.

What can lead to a Clostridioides difficile infection?

Disruption of normal gut flora often due to antibiotic use.

What is the significance of using iodine as an antiseptic?

It effectively reduces microbes on the skin before procedures.

What technique is used to clean the skin prior to surgery?

Aseptic technique with an antiseptic agent.

When are disinfectants predominantly utilized?

On medical equipment and surfaces in healthcare settings.

What aspect of handwashing is frequently emphasized?

Scrubbing all surfaces of hands for at least 20 seconds.

How do hospitals define HAIs?

Infections acquired during the stay that could have been prevented.

What are potential consequences of inadequate hand hygiene?

Increased risk of HAIs and spread of infections.

What methods do hospitals use to encourage hand hygiene?

Education and easy access to handwashing facilities.

How often should clinical staff perform hand hygiene?

Before and after every patient interaction.

What is the goal of using antiseptics in healthcare?

To minimize infection risks when interacting with patients.

Why is it important to dry hands properly after washing?

To prevent the transfer of microbes from wet hands.