Medical Asepsis Principles
Loree M. Crain, PhD RN
Review Chp 31 in Berman, et. al.
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Disease Producing
•
Pathogenic microorganisms or pathogens
Do Not Cause Disease
Nonpathogens
Some normal body flora – E coli (if it stays in
the GI tract)
Prevention of Spread of
Microorganisms
Medical asepsis
Occurs in absence of pathogens
Surgical asepsis
Occurs in absence of all organisms
Medical Asepsis
Often referred to as “clean Technique”
Used in all aspects of client care
Begins before client present
Jewelry – only wedding band and small earring
Hair off collar and under control
Fingernails short and in good repair
Linen rooms/carts = clean, thus linen from clts
rooms can not be returned
Utility rooms = cleaned and dirty
Cross contamination must be avoided by not placing
articles in the wrong areas
Linens and articles = carried away from your
uniform and not held close to body
Articles dropped on floor = contaminated and must
be discarded, including linens
Clts wear slippers or shoes when out of bed
Clts have own supplies and equipment
If you are not feeling will = do not go to work
Paper tissue is used for clt secretions – discard in
trash basket
Equipment in cleaned and rinsed in cold water to
remove secretions before returning to central
supply (heat coagulates substances and makes it
more difficult to remove
Soap and water best cleansers – break down
soil so it can be more readily removed
Detergents more effective in hard or cold
water – could damage boy tissues
Germicides increase effectiveness of
cleansing agent
Hand washing
Single most effective medical aseptic practice down
when first arrive at the nursing unit and before
beginning nursing practice
Soap and rinse hands twice before taking care of clt
Wash before all procedures
In between clts
Antibacterial gels used between clients if hands are
not dirty
Gloves
Clean , non sterile are used when touching
blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions,m
and contaminated items
Discard immediately after using
Wash hands after removal of gloves
Surgical Asepsis
Sterile technique