Editing Nursing Skills and Procedures – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Asepsis and Infection Control ==

;Name four rules that keep a sterile field sterile.
:The outer 1 inch border is contaminated; anything below waist level or out of sight is contaminated; moisture wicks organisms so a wet field is contaminated; never reach across the field or turn your back on it.

;What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis?
:Medical asepsis, or clean technique, reduces the number of microorganisms and is used for hygiene and routine care. Surgical asepsis, or sterile technique, eliminates microorganisms and is required for catheter insertion, tracheal suctioning, and acute surgical wound dressing changes.

;Which infection requires soap and water handwashing rather than alcohol-based rub, and why?
:''Clostridioides difficile''. Alcohol does not kill spores, so friction with soap and water is needed for mechanical removal, along with gown and gloves and a bleach-based sporicidal cleaner.

;Match the precaution to the disease: influenza, tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus''.
:Influenza requires droplet precautions with a surgical mask. Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions with a negative pressure room and a fit-tested N95. Methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus'' requires contact precautions with gown and gloves.

;What must always be done before and after every patient contact and procedure?
:Hand hygiene. It is the single most effective measure for preventing health care associated infection.