Medical Asepsis

What is the primary goal of medical asepsis?

• To increase the number of microorganisms

• To sterilize surgical equipment

• To decrease the number of microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection

• To perform surgeries

In which of the following situations is surgical aseptic technique used?

• During routine physical examinations

• During procedures that require intentional puncture of the skin

• When applying bandages to minor cuts

• During oral medication administration

Surgical aseptic technique is also necessary during the insertion of devices into which type of body area?

• An area that is normally exposed to air

• An area that is normally sterile

• An area with a high concentration of microorganisms

• An area that is non-sterile but clean

What must health care providers follow when carrying out sterile procedures in the OR or procedure area to maintain sterile asepsis?

• A) A single step of hand hygiene

• B) A series of steps including applying a mask, protective eyewear, and cap; performing a surgical hand scrub; and applying sterile gown and gloves

• C) Only applying sterile gloves

• D) Only performing a surgical hand scrub

What must a health care provider do when sterile procedures such as a sterile dressing change are carried out at the bedside?

• A) Perform hand hygiene and apply sterile gloves

• B) Apply a mask and protective eyewear

• C) Perform a surgical hand scrub only

• D) Explain the procedure to the patient

What is an additional step that health care providers should take when completing a sterile procedure at the bedside?

• A) Perform hand hygiene again

• B) Take off protective eyewear

• C) Explain the procedure and gain patient cooperation

• D) Apply a new mask

Why is it important to adhere strictly to the principles of surgical asepsis when performing invasive procedures?

• To reduce the time it takes to perform the procedure

• To protect patients from infection

• To make the procedure less expensive

• To comply with patient preferences

What is the purpose of individualized patient-centered education before an aseptic procedure?

• To ensure that the procedure is performed more quickly

• To provide legal protection for the healthcare facility

• To reduce fears and misconceptions about sterile asepsis attire

• To train family caregivers to perform the procedure

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice to prevent surgical site infections?

• Using antiseptics such as chlorhexidine

• Wearing artificial nails, gels, and acrylic overlays

• Administering antibiotics

• Cleaning and disinfecting the work area

For which type of procedures is the use of negative-pressure wound therapy recommended?

• Low-risk procedures

• Abdominal and vascular cases

• Procedures not involving incisions

• Outpatient surgeries