1. Asepsis and Standard Precautions
Exploring Career Pathways
17.2

2. Introduction to Asepsis
Health care environments are constantly contaminated with pathogens carried by patients, visitors, and staff.
Health care staff use medical asepsis to keep their surroundings infection and disease free.
They do this through the use of aseptic techniques.

3. Asepsis Techniques Proper handwashing Proper handling of equipment
Using sterile procedure when necessary
Using proper cleaning solutions
Following Standard Precautions

4. Solutions that Clean Bacteria
Bacteriostatic Solution
Bactericidal Solutions
Slows or stops the growth of bacteria
Kills bacteria

5. Signs and Symptoms of Infection
Generalized
Localized
Headache
Fatigue
Fever
Increased Pulse
Diarrhea
Redness
Swelling
Heat
Drainage
Pain at the site of infection

6. Following Proper Precaution Prevents..
Cross infection
Reinfection
Illness spreading from one patient to a health care worker or vise versa
Self-inoculation
Ex: E. Coli from the intestines entering the urethra

7. Who enforces and updates standard precautions?

8. The CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention enforces and updates Standard Precautions for health care facilities

9. Standard Precautions provide protection for..
Blood
Pericardial fluid
Amniotic fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid
Pleural fluid
Semen
Vaginal secretions

10. HBV and HIV can occur through..
Direct injection
Contact of infected body fluids
Sexual contact
Pregnancy

11. Types of Protective Equipment
Gloves
Nonpermeable gowns or aprons
Mask and protective eye gear
Shared equipment between patients

12. What is the single-most effective way to prevent the spread of infections?

13. HAND HYGIENE Washing before and after contact
Washing after using the bathroom
Washing after touching bodily fluids, even if you are wearing gloves
Wash for 15 seconds
Use paper towels to turn off faucet
Dry hands completely

14. Disinfection Techniques
Boiling water
Mild bleach solution
Ultrasonic cleaners
Best used for small cleaning surfaces or hard to reach areas

15. Soiled Linen Precautions
Wash hands and wear gloves
Fold soiled linens inward upon themselves when removing from the bed
Hold linens away from your uniform
Place in the nearest hamper
If hamper becomes contaminated, cover it with a plastic bag

16. Disposing of Sharps Procedure
Wash hands and wear gloves
Place with protective sheath or cover before leaving the area
If used during procedure, separate from other items on the tray and cover them with the procedure tray cover
Place in closest sharps container
If not disposable, place in nearest dirty utility room
Remove gloves
Wash hands