Medical Asepsis and Infection Control – Key Concepts

A set of practice flashcards covering asepsis concepts, hand hygiene, HAIs, and infection-control procedures from the lecture notes.

What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?

Medical asepsis is clean technique to reduce pathogens and prevent spread (not completely sterile). Surgical asepsis is sterile and aims to eliminate all microorganisms, creating a sterile field.

What is a sterile field?

An area prepared to be free from all microorganisms for use during invasive procedures to prevent infection.

What PPE supports maintaining a sterile field in surgery?

Gowns, gloves, masks, and protective eyewear are used to maintain a sterile field and protect both patient and staff.

Name the five moments for hand hygiene according to WHO.

Before touching a patient; before clean/aseptic procedures; after body fluid exposure risk; after touching a patient; after touching the patient’s surroundings.

When should you use soap and water instead of hand sanitizer?

When hands are visibly soiled or as required for certain infections or procedures; soap and water provides a more thorough cleansing.

Which pathogens are not effectively killed by hand sanitizer and require soap and water?

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) and norovirus.

List common hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) mentioned.

Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI), surgical site infection (SSI), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), MRSA infections, and C. difficile infections.

What does MRSA stand for and why is it significant?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; it is a multidrug-resistant organism that is a common HAI concern.

What is C. difficile infection and what causes it?

An infection of the colon caused by C. difficile, often following antibiotic use that disrupts gut flora; leads to diarrhea and can cause severe colon damage.

What factors determine the method of sterilization or disinfection?

Nature of organisms, number of organisms, type of equipment, whether it can be sterilized, intended use, available means for sterilization/disinfection, and time available.

What are resident vs transient bacteria on the hands?

Transient bacteria are loosely attached and easily removed by handwashing; resident bacteria reside in skin creases, are more stable, and harder to remove.

What does CLABSI stand for?

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection.

What does CAUTI stand for?

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.

What does SSI stand for?

Surgical Site Infection.

What are Transmission-Based Precautions and how do they relate to Standard Precautions?

Transmission-Based Precautions are additional, targeted precautions (airborne, droplet, contact) for suspected or confirmed infections, used in addition to Standard Precautions applied to all patients.

Why are HAIs a focus in hospitals?

They are often preventable; preventing them reduces patient harm and can reduce hospital responsibility, especially for multidrug-resistant organisms.