Sterile Gloving, Sterile Fields, and Infection Control

Sterile can touch sterile; otherwise, it's considered contaminated.
In a sterile environment (like surgery), constant judgment and assessment are necessary to maintain sterility.
Maintaining sterility is everyone's responsibility in a sterile environment.

Sterility is indicated by proper packaging, recent opening, and single-time use.
Responsibility: Once a sterile field is established, maintaining its sterility is crucial.
Sterility is considered above the waist.
Even a couple of inches below the waist is considered non-sterile, requiring restarting the process if compromised.

Prolonged exposure to air can compromise sterility.
Avoid opening sterile supplies well in advance of a procedure.
Moisture: Items that get wet or moist are considered contaminated due to potential barrier breaks.
When pouring solutions, keep the bottle faced up to avoid contamination.
Splashes on a sterile field during pouring are considered contamination.
Fluid flows in the direction of gravity, carrying dirt and germs, especially important during hand washing in sterile sites.
In sterile environments, maintain hands above elbows to ensure water drains away from clean areas.

Use a flat surface and clean it before setting up a sterile field.
Evidence of cleanliness is key but does not guarantee sterility.
Use a sterile drape as part of the setup.
One-inch border of a sterile field is considered non-sterile; avoid touching or placing sterile items on this border.

Be constantly aware if your hands are clean or sterile during procedures.
With clean hands (sanitized or gloved), touch only the edges of the sterile field.
Once sterile gloves are on, avoid lowering hands below the waist and only touch the middle of the sterile field.

Use a flat, clean work surface.
When opening a boxed container, open the top flap away from you first, then the sides, and finally the flap closest to you.
This prevents reaching over the sterile field during the opening process.

If a side of the kit or gloves flaps back over, consider it contaminated.
Open additional devices at an angle to drop them into the sterile field without hovering over it.
Use the bigger flap of a device package to drop it into the kit.
In surgical areas, circulating nurses assist by providing needed items while maintaining sterility.

Understand the difference between exposure and the pathogen gaining strength in the body.
Maintain a healthy immune system through stress management, sleep, and hydration.
Communicable diseases involve direct exposure through another person.

Incubation Period: Time between exposure and first symptoms.
Prodromal Stage: Organism grows and multiplies; patient is most infectious; nonspecific symptoms appear.
Full Stage: Specific signs and symptoms appear, allowing for diagnosis.
Convalescent Period: Recovery; immune system kicks in, treatment, rest, and isolation help.
Nonspecific symptoms appear in the prodromal stage as the organism proliferates.

Airborne, droplets, contact, and shared items are common transmission methods.
Be aware of the body's excretions (urine, feces, vomit, sweat, tears) as potential sources.
Skin is the best immune system layer; protect against skin breakdown and maintain moisturized hands.
Understand how germs enter the body (eyes, mouth, nose, skin).

Exposure alone doesn't guarantee infection; prevent the chain of events leading to it.
Maintain awareness without living in fear; avoid complacency.
Be mindful that patients with decreased immune systems may not show the same symptoms.

Raw seafood can be a source of infection; be cautious about where you consume it.
Ensure refrigerators and freezers are working correctly to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Be mindful of potential sources when handing items to patients (e.g., cups), and practice hand hygiene afterward.
When using sharps containers, never put your hands inside to avoid accidental needle sticks.

Ensure adequate rest and nutrition, especially during stressful times like exam week.
Break the chain of infection by practicing hand hygiene, using sterilized items, and taking antibiotics as prescribed.
Use precautions as designed, and use disposable or patient-specific equipment.
Practice cough etiquette, coughing into the elbow rather than hands.
Immediately engage the safety lock after injecting a needle to prevent accidental sticks.
Protect susceptible populations through immunizations, screenings, and mindful patient placement.
Be aware of healthcare-associated infections and the risks they pose to patients, especially those with invasive lines or compromised immune systems.

Recognize the importance of normal flora in the mouth and gut.
Be aware that antibiotic use can disrupt normal flora, leading to conditions like C. Diff.
Use antibiotics judiciously, especially for viral infections, and complete the full course when prescribed.