Fundamentals of Nursing ( Asepsis and Infection Control) notes
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Course
Nursing
Institution
Nursing
These are the asepsis and infection control - Fundamentals of nursing notes which will help you get a better understanding of the topic. These notes would be really helpful for students who are in 1st year of nursing degree.
I. Asepsis and Infection Control
Asepsis
Asepsis is the state of being free from disease-causing contaminants
(such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) or, preventing contact with
microorganisms. The term asepsis often refers to those practices used to
promote or induce asepsis in an operative field in surgery or medicine to
prevent infection.
Medical asepsis
1. Includes all practices intended to confine a specific
microorganism to a specific area
2. Limits the number, growth, and transmission of microorganisms
3. Objects referred to as clean or dirty (soiled, contaminated)
Surgical asepsis
1. Sterile technique
2. Practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms
3. Practices that destroy all microorganisms and spores
4. Used for all procedures involving sterile areas of the body
Principles of Aseptic Technique Only sterile items are
used within sterile field.
1. Sterile objects become unsterile when touched by unsterile
objects.
2. Sterile items that are out of vision or below the waist level of the
nurse are considered unsterile.
3. Sterile objects can become unsterile by prolong exposure to
airborne microorganisms.
4. Fluids flow in the direction of gravity.
5. Moisture that passes through a sterile object draws
microorganism from unsterile surfaces above or below to the
surface by capillary reaction.
6. The edges of a sterile field are considered unsterile.
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, 7. The skin cannot be sterilized and is unsterile.
8. Conscientiousness, alertness and honesty are essential qualities
in maintaining surgical asepsis
Infection
Signs of Localized Infection
Localized swelling
Localized redness
Pain or tenderness with palpation or movement
Palpable heat in the infected area
Loss of function of the body part affected, depending on the site
and extent of involvement
Signs of Systemic Infection
Fever
Increased pulse and respiratory rate if the fever high
Malaise and loss of energy
Anorexia and, in some situations, nausea and vomiting
Enlargement and tenderness of lymph nodes that drain the area
of infection
Factors Influencing Microorganism’s Capability to Produce Infection
Number of microorganisms present
Virulence and potency of the microorganisms (pathogenicity)
Ability to enter the body
Susceptibility of the host
Ability to live in the host’s body
Anatomic and Physiologic Barriers Defend Against Infection
Intact skin and mucous membranes
Moist mucous membranes and cilia of the nasal passages
Alveolar macrophages
Tears
High acidity of the stomach
Resident flora of the large intestine
Peristalsis
Low pH of the vagina
Urine flow through the urethra
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