GROUP 1 │BSN 1-1

ASEPSIS &
INFECTION CONTR L

SEM 2 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE

 LEARNING OUTCOMES
AT THE END OF THE DISCUSSION, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

1. Explain the concepts of medical and surgical asepsis. 8. Identify interventions to reduce risks for infections.
2. Identify signs of localized and systemic infections and 9. Identify measures that break each link in the chain of infection.
inflammation. 10. Compare and contrast category-specific, disease-specific,
3. Identify risks for nosocomial and healthcare- standard, and transmission-based isolation precaution systems.
associated infections. 11. Steps used in:
4. Identify factors influencing a microorganism’s ability to a. Performing hand hygiene.
produce an infectious process. b. Applying and removing a gown, face mask, eyewear, and clean
5. Identify anatomic and physiologic barriers that defend gloves.
the body against microorganisms. c. Establishing and maintaining a sterile field.
6. Differentiate active from passive immunity. d. Applying and removing sterile gloves by the open method.
7. Identify relevant nursing diagnoses and contributing 12. Recognize when it is appropriate to assign infection prevention
factors for clients at risk for infection and who have an skills to assistive personnel.
infection. 13. Describe the steps to take in the event of a bloodborne
pathogen exposure.
 INTRODUCTION
Resident Flora
- collective vegetation in a given area in one part of the body.

Skin - Staphylococcus Epidemidis, Propionibacterium Acne

Nasal passages - Staphylococcus Aureus
Oropharynx & Mouth - Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Intestine - Eubacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae
Urethral orifice - Staphylococcus Epidermidis
Vagina - Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Candida Albicans
Infection
- growth of microorganisms in body tissue where they are not usually found,
such a microorganism is called an infectious agent

Asymptomatic or Subclinical
- an infection where the microorganism produces no clinical evidence of disease

Disease
- detectable alteration in normal tissue function
MICROORGANISMS VARY IN:
1. Virulence - ability to produce disease
2. Severity of disease
3. Degree of communicability

Communicable Disease
- results when infectious agent can be transmitted to an individual by direct or
indirect contact or as an airborne infection

Pathogenicity - potency of microorganism

Pathogen - pathogen that causes disease
Opportunistic pathogen - causes disease only in a susceptible individual
World Health Organization (WHO)
- major regulatory agency at the international level

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

- principal national public health agency concerned with disease prevention and
control in the US

Asepsis - freedom from disease-causing microorganisms.

Aseptic Technique - to decrease the possibility of transferring
microorganisms
2 BASIC TYPES OF ASESPSIS
1) Medical Asepsis - all practices intended to confine a specific microorganism to a
specific area, limiting the number, growth, and transmission of microorganisms.

Clean - absence of almost all microorganisms

Dirty - soiled, contaminated; likely to have microorganisms and is capable of causing
infections

2) Surgical Asepsis or Sterile Technique

- practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms.
- it includes practices that destroy all microorganisms and spores - a microscopic
dormant structures formed by some pathogens that are very hardy and often survive
common cleaning techniques

Sepsis - acute organ dysfunction occurs secondary to infection

4 MAJOR CATEGORIES OF MICROORGANISMS THAT CAUSE
INFECTION IN HUMANS

1. Bacteria - most common infection-causing microorganisms

2. Viruses - consist primarily of nucleic acid and therefore must enter living
cells in order to reproduce
3. Fungi - include yeasts and molds
4. Parasites - live on other organisms
COLONIZATION
a process by which strains of microorganisms become resident flora
microorganisms become resident flora
in this state, the microorganisms may grow and multiply but do not cause disease

TYPES OF INFECTIONS
Local infection - limited to the specific part of the body
Systemic Infection - if the microorganisms spread and damage different parts of the body
Bacteremia - when a culture of individual’s blood reveals microorganisms
Septicemia - when bacteremia results in systemic infection

Acute Infections - appear suddenly or last a short time

Chronic Infections - occur slowly, over a very long period, and may last months or years
NOSOCOMIAL AND HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED
INFECTIONS
Nosocomial Infections
infections that originate in the hospital
subgroup of HAIs and HACs

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

originate in any healthcare setting
Joint Commission (2019) includes reducing the risk of HAIs as one of the National Patient Safety
Goals
CDC (2016) reports that central intravenous line–associated bloodstream infections, catheter-
associated urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia
account for the majority of HAIs

Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs)

other types of conditions besides infections
ORIGINS OF MICROORGANISMS THAT CAUSE NOSOCOMIAL
INFECTIONS

Endogenous source
originate from clients
most nosocomial infections appear to have endogenous sources

Exogenous source
from hospital environment and hospital personnel
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS

Iatrogenic Infections
direct result of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures

Compromised Host
a client whose normal defenses have been lowered by treatments or illness
hands of healthcare personnel are a common vehicle for the spread of microorganisms
insufficient hand hygiene is thus an important factor contributing to the spread of nosocomial
microorganisms
CHAIN OF INFECTI N
ETIOLOGIC AGENT

The extent to which any microorganism is capable of producing an

infectious process depends on the number of microorganism present
Virulence and potency of the microorganism (pathogenicity)
Ability of the microorganisms to enter the body
Susceptibility of the host
Ability of the microorganisms to live in the host’s body.
RESERVOIR
People are the most common source of infection for others and for
themselves.
Food, water, and feces also can be reservoirs
Common sources are other humans, the client’s own microorganisms,
plants, animals, medical equipment or the general environment

CHAIN OF INFECTI N
PORTAL OF EXIT
Before an infection can establish itself in a host, the microorganisms
must leave the reservoir.

Method of Transmission:

1. Direct Transmission - involves immediate and direct transfer of

microorganisms from individual to individual through touching, biting,
kissing, or sexual intercourse.

Droplet Spread - is also a form of direct transmission but can occur only
if the source and the host are within 1 m (3 ft) of each other

CHAIN OF INFECTI N
2. Indirect Transmission
Vehicle-borne Transmission - is any substance that serves as an
intermediate means to transport and introduce an infectious agent into a
susceptible host through a suitable portal of entry.

Vector-borne Transmission - is an animal or flying or crawling insect

that serves as an intermediate means of transporting the infectious agent

3. Airborne Transmission - may involve droplets or dust

Droplet Nuclei - the residue of evaporated droplets emitted by an infected host
such as someone with tuberculosis, can remain in the air for long periods.
Dust Particles - containing the infectious agent, can also become airborne.

CHAIN OF INFECTI N
PORTAL OF ENTRY TO THE SUSCEPTIBLE HOST

Before an individual can become infected, microorganisms must enter

the body.
The skin is a barrier to infectious agents; however, any break in the skin
can readily serve as a portal of entry.

CHAIN OF INFECTI N
SUSCEPTIBLE HOST

Is any individual who is at risk for infection.

Impairment of the body’s natural defenses and a number of other factors
can affect susceptibility to infection.

Compromised Host - is someone at increased risk, an individual who for one or

more reasons is more likely than others to acquire an infection.

CHAIN OF INFECTI N
BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

Nonspecific defenses - protect the individual against all

microorganisms, regardless of prior exposure

Specific (immune) defenses - directed against identifiable bacteria,

viruses, fungi, or other infectious agents
A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

1) Anatomic & Physiologic Barriers

a) Intact skin and mucous membranes are the body’s first line of
defense; effective barrier against bacteria

i. Resident bacteria of the skin also prevent other bacteria from multiplying
ii. Normal secretions make the skin slightly acidic; acidity also inhibits
bacterial growth

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

1) Anatomic & Physiologic Barriers

b) Entering air comes in contact with moist mucous membranes and cilia of
the nasal passages. These trap microorganisms, dust, and foreign materials.

i. The lungs have alveolar macrophages (large phagocytes)

Phagocytes - cells that ingest microorganisms, dead cells, and
foreign particles

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

1) Anatomic & Physiologic Barriers

c) Oral cavity regularly sheds mucosal epithelium to rid the mouth of
colonizers

i. The flow of saliva and its partial buffering action help prevent infections.
Saliva contains microbial inhibitors, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and
secretory IgA

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

1) Anatomic & Physiologic Barriers

d) Eye is protected from infection by tears, which continually wash
microorganisms away and contain inhibiting lysozyme.

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

1) Anatomic & Physiologic Barriers

e) GI tract also has defenses against infection. The high acidity of the
stomach normally prevents microbial growth

i. Resident flora of the large intestine help prevent the establishment of

disease-producing microorganisms
ii. Peristalsis also tends to move microbes out of the body

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

1) Anatomic & Physiologic Barriers

f) Vagina also has natural defenses against infection

g) Urine flow has a flushing and bacteriostatic action that keeps the bacteria
from ascending the urethra

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

A. NONSPECIFIC DEFENSES

2) Inflammatory Response

Inflammation
local and nonspecific defensive response of the tissues to an injurious or
infectious agent
adaptive mechanism that destroys or dilutes the injurious agent,
prevents further spread of the injury, and promotes the repair of
damaged tissue
Suffix (-itis)

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

5 CHARACTERISTIC OF INFLAMMATION

1. Pain (dolor)
2. Swelling (tumor)
3. Redness (rubor)
4. Heat (calor)
5. Impaired function of the part
INJURIOUS AGENTS

1. Physical Agent - mechanical objects causing trauma to tissues,

excessive heat or cold, and radiation
2. Chemical Agent - external irritants (e.g., strong acids, alkalis, poisons,
and irritating gases) and internal irritants (substances manufactured
within the body such as excessive hydrochloric acid in the stomach)
3. Microorganisms - broad groups of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
parasites
3 STAGES OF INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

First Stage - Vascular and Cellular Responses

REDNESS & HEAT - increase in blood supply is referred to as hyperemia and
is responsible for the characteristic signs of redness and heat
SWELLING - Fluid, proteins, and leukocytes leak into the interstitial spaces, and
the signs of inflammation—swelling (edema) and pain
PAIN - is caused by the pressure of accumulating fluid on nerve endings and
the irritating chemical mediators.
IMPAIRS FUNCTION - Fluid pouring into areas such as joints impairs function

NORMAL LEUKOCYTE COUNT - 4500 - 11000/ cubic mL of blood

can rise to 20000 when inflammation occurs
3 STAGES OF INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

Second Stage - Exudate Production

Exudate - produced, consisting of fluid that escaped from the blood vessels,
dead phagocytic cells, and dead tissue cells and products that they release

MAJOR TYPES OF EXUDATE

1. Serous
2. Purulent
3. Hemorrhagic (Sanguineous)
3 STAGES OF INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

Third Stage - Reparative Phase

Regeneration - replacement of destroyed tissue cells by cells that are identical
or similar in structure and function
When regeneration is not possible, repair occurs by scar formation
Early stages of this process, the tissue is called Granulation Tissue (fragile,
gelatinous tissue, appearing pink or red because of the many newly formed
capillaries)

Cicatrix or Scar - firmer fibrous tissue

B. SPECIFIC DEFENSES
involves the immune system

Antigen - a substance that induces a state of sensitivity or immune

responsiveness (immunity)
Autoantigen - antigens that originate in an individual’s own body

BODY DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION

2 COMPONENTS OF IMMUNE RESPONSE

1. Antibody-Mediated Defenses or Humoral (Circulating) Immunity

defenses reside ultimately in the B lymphocytes and are mediated by
antibodies produced by B cells
defend primarily against the extracellular phases of bacterial and viral
infections

Antibodies or Immunoglobulins - part of body’s plasma proteins

2 MAJOR TYPES OF IMMUNITY
1) Active Immunity
host produces antibodies in response to natural antigens
The B cell may produce antibody molecules:
5 CLASSES OF IMMUNOGLOBULINS
IgA
IgG
IgM
IgE
IgD

a) Natural Active - Antibodies formed in presence of active infection in body

b) Artificial Active - Antigens (vaccines or toxoids) administered to stimulate antibody
production
2 MAJOR TYPES OF IMMUNITY

2) Passive (Acquired) Immunity

host receives antibodies produced by another source

a) Natural Passive - Antibodies transferred naturally from an immune mother to her

baby through the placenta or in colostrum.
b) Artificial Passive - Immune serum (antibody) from an animal or another human is
injected
2 COMPONENTS OF IMMUNE RESPONSE
2. Cell-Mediated Defenses or Cellular Immunity
occur through T-cell system

3 MAIN GROUPS OF T CELLS

1. Helper T Cells - help in the functions of the immune system

2. Cytotoxic T Cells - attack and kill microorganisms and sometimes the body’s own
cells;
3. Suppressor T Cells - suppress the functions of the helper T cells and the cytotoxic T
cells.
 FACTORS INCREASING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFECTION
Susceptibility - most important factor which is affected by age, heredity, level of stress,
nutritional status, current medical therapy, and pre-existing disease processes.

1) Age - Newborns and older adults have reduced defenses against infection.
Newborns - have immature immune systems and are protected only for the first 2 or 3
months by immunoglobulins passively received from the mother.
Older Adults - immunity to infection decreases with advancing age.
Vaccines - have been studied repeatedly and are a safe and effective intervention for
protecting the public’s health.

2) Heredity - influences the development of infection in that some individuals have a

genetic susceptibility.

3) Level of stress - The nature, number, and duration of physical and emotional stressors
can influence susceptibility to infection.
FACTORS INCREASING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFECTION

4. Nutritional Status - Resistance to infection depends on adequate

nutritional status.

5. Current Medical Therapy- some medical therapies predispose a

clint to infection.

6. Pre-Existing Disease Processes- Any disease that lessens the

body’d defenses against infection places the client at risk.
NURSING MANAGEMENT
1. Assessing
a.) Nursing History
b.) Physical Assessment
c.) Laboratory Data

2. Diagnosing

3. Planning
a.) Planning for Home Care
 IMPLEMENTING
Strategies to prevent infection; prevent spread of infection; treat existing infection

1. PREVENTING HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS

use of medical and surgical asepsis is necessary to prevent transport of potentially
infectious microorganisms (EX. proper hand hygiene techniques, environmental
controls, sterile technique, identification and management of clients at risk for
infections)

2. HAND HYGIENE
Hand hygiene is important in every setting, including hospitals
one of the most effective infection prevention measures
vigorous hand washing under a stream of water for 15 to 20 seconds using soap is
recommended (WHO, 2009)
CDC recommends the use of alcohol-based antiseptic hand rubs before and after each
direct client contact
 IMPLEMENTING
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BOTH THE NURSES’ AND CLIENTS’ HANDS TO BE
CLEANSED AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
before eating
after using the bedpan or toilet
after the hands have come in contact with any body substances (sputum or
drainage from wound)
healthcare workers should cleanse their hands before and after giving care of any
kind
 DISINFECTING AND STERILIZING
Antiseptics - inhibit the growth of some microorganisms
Disinfectants - destroy pathogens other than spores

A) Disinfecting - an antiseptic is a chemical preparation used on skin or tissue.

Disinfectant - chemical preparation, such as phenol or iodine compounds, used on inanimate objects.
a.) Bactericidal preparation - destroys bacteria.
b.) Bacteriostatic preparation - prevents the growth and reproduction of some bacteria.

Examples:
Isopropyl and ethyl alcohol
Chlorine
Hydrogen peroxide
Iodophors
Phenol
Chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens)
 DISINFECTING AND STERILIZING
B) Sterilizing - a process that destroys all microorgan-isms, including spores and viruses.

4 METHODS OF STERILIZATION:
Moist Heat - with an autoclave, steam under pressure is used because it attains
temperatures higher than the boiling point.
Gas - Ethylene oxide destroys microorganisms by interfering with their metabolic
processes; effective against spores.
Boiling Water - most practical and inexpensive method for sterilizing in home; main
disadvantage is that spores and some viruses are not killed by this method.
Radiation - lonizing radiation is used effectively in industry to sterilize foods, drugs, and
other items that are sensitive to heat.
 INFECTION AND PREVENTION CONTROL
(All healthcare workers must follow to reduce the chances that organisms in bloodborne pathogens and
potentially infectious organisms will be transmitted from client to other individuals)

TWO-TIERED APPROACH:
1. Standard Precautions (SP) - used in any situations involving blood; all body fluids, excretions, and
secretions except sweat; nonintact skin; and mucous membranes (whether blood is present or visible)
2. Universal Precautions (UP) - reflecting their applicability in all client care situations.

Isolation - measures designed to prevent the spread of infections or potentially infectious

microorganisms to health personnel, clients, and visitors.
Category-specific isolation precautions - seven categories: strict isolation, contact isolation,
respiratory isola-tion, tuberculosis isolation, enteric precautions, drainage and secretions precautions,
and blood and body fluid precautions)
Disease-specific isolation precautions - delineate use of private rooms with special ventilation,
having the client share a room with other clients infected with the same organism, and gowning to
prevent gross soilage of clothes for specific infectious diseases
 INFECTION AND PREVENTION CONTROL
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
1. Hand hygiene
2. use of personal protective equipment (PPE) - which includes gloves, gowns,
eyewear, and masks
3. safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces in the client
environment
4. respiratory hygiene or cough etiquette - calls for covering the mouth and nose
when sneezing or coughing, proper disposal of tissues, and separating potentially
infected individuals from others by at least 1 m (3 ft) or having them wear a surgical
mask
INFECTION AND PREVENTION CONTROL
Transmission-Based Precautions - Used alongside standard precautions for
clients with known or suspected infections transmitted via airborne, droplet, or
contact routes.
a.) Airborne Precautions - airborne droplet nuclei smaller than 5
microns, like tuberculosis.
b.) Droplet Precautions - particle droplets larger than 5 microns, like
pneumonia.
c.) Contact Precautions - direct contact or contact with
contaminated items.
Compromised Clients: Highly susceptible to infection, often infected by their
own microorganisms, contaminated hands of healthcare personnel, or non
sterile items.
ISOLATION PRACTICES
Personal Protective Equipment - all healthcare providers must
apply PPE (clean or sterile gloves, gowns, masks, and protective
eyewear) according to the risk of exposure to potentially infective
materials.
a. Gloves - (1) protect the hands when the nurse is likely to handle
any body substances; (2) reduce the likelihood of nurses
transmitting their own endogenous microorganisms to
individuals receiving care; (3) reduce the chance that the
nurse’s hands will transmit microorganisms from one client or an
object to another client
 ISOLATION PRACTICES
b. Gowns - clean or disposable impervious gowns or plastic aprons are worn during
procedures when the nurse's uniform is likely to become soiled.
i. Sterile gowns - may be indicated when the nurse changes the
dressings of a client with extensive wounds.
ii. Single-use gown technique - using a gown only once before it is
discarded or laundered is the usual practice in hospitals
c. Face Masks - worn to reduce the risk for transmission of organisms by the
droplet contact and airborne routes and by splatters of body substances.

Face masks are worn:

(1) prevent droplet contact transmission of exhaled microorganisms to the sterile
field or to a client's open wound
(2) to protect the nurse from splashes of body substances from the client.
 ISOLATION PRACTICES
i. Single-use disposable surgical masks - effective for use while
the nurse provides care to most clients but should be changed if
they become wet or soiled.
ii. Disposable particulate respirators - effective for droplet
transmission, splatters, and airborne microorganisms
iii. "N" respirator at 95% efficiency - (referred to as an N95
respirator) meets tuberculosis, SARS, and influenza control
criteria.
d. Eyewear - protective eyewear (goggles, glasses, or face shields) and
masks are indicated in situations where body substances may splatter the
face.
DISPOSAL OF SOILED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Appropriate handling of soiled equipment and supplies is essential for

these reasons:
a. To prevent inadvertent exposure of healthcare workers to articles
contaminated with body substances
b. To prevent contamination of the environment.
Articles contaminated with infective material such as pus, blood, body
fluids, feces, or respiratory secretions (biohazard waste) need to be
enclosed in a sturdy container
 DISPOSAL OF SOILED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

CDC GUIDELINES
1. A single bag or container, if it is sturdy and impervious to
microorganisms, and if the contaminated articles can be
placed without soiling or contaminating its outside.
2. Double-bagging if the above conditions are not met.
 DISPOSAL OF SOILED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
3.) Follow agency protocol, or use the following guidelines to handle and bag soiled items:
a. Place garbage and soiled disposable equipment, including dressings and tissues
but not sharps, in the appropriate and labeled bag or container. Some also
separate dry and wet waste material and incinerate dry items, such as paper towels
and disposable items.
b. Place nondisposable or reusable equipment that is visibly soiled in a labeled
container before removing it from the client’s room or cubicle, and send it to a
central processing area for decontamination. Some agencies may require that
glass bottles or jars and metal items be placed in separate bags from plastic items.
c. Disassemble special procedure trays into component parts.
4.) Bag soiled client clothing before sending it home or to the agency laundry
 DISPOSAL OF SOILED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
a.) LINENS
Handle soiled linen as little as possible and with the least agitation possible
b.) LABORATORY SPECIMENS
placed in a leakproof container with a secure lid with a biohazard label, need no special
precautions
Containers that are visibly contaminated on the outside should be placed inside a sealable
plastic bag before sending them to the laboratory
c.) DISHES AND UTENSILS
no special precautions; soiling can be prevented by clening and washing hands
d.) BLOOD PRESSURE EQUIPMENT
needs no special precautions unless it becomes contaminated with infective material
stethoscopes should be cleaned frequently and between clients
e.) DISPOSABLE NEEDLES, SYRINGES, AND SHARPS
Place all needles, syringes, and “sharps” (e.g., lancets, scalpels, and broken glass) into a
labeled, puncture-resistant container approved only for this use.
TRANSPORTING CLIENTS WITH INFECTIONS

Avoid transporting clients with infections outside of their own

rooms unless absolutely necessary.
Nurse implements appropriate precautions and measures to
prevent contamination of the environment
 PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF ISOLATION CLIENTS
1.) Sensory Deprivation - environment lacks normal stimuli for the client, for example,
communication with others.
COMMON CLINICAL SIGNS
Boredom
Inactivity
Slowness of thought
Daydreaming
Increased sleeping
Thought disorganization
Anxiety
Hallucinations
Panic
2.) Feeling of Inferiority - due to perception of the infection itself or to the required
precautions.
 PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS OF ISOLATION CLIENTS
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
1. Assess the client’s need for stimulation.
2. Initiate measures to help meet the need, including regular communication,
diversionary activities, such as toys for a child, and telephone, books,
television, computer, or radio for an adult; provide a variety of foods to
stimulate sense of taste; stimulate the client’s visual sense by providing a
view or an activity to watch.
3. Explain the infection and the associated procedures to help clients and
their support persons understand and accept the situation.
4. Demonstrate warm, accepting behavior.
5. Use the least strict precautions indicated by the diagnosis or the client’s
condition.
 STERILE TECHNIQUE
An object is sterile only when it is free of all microorganisms
It is well known that sterile technique is practiced in operating rooms and
special diagnostic areas
It is also employed for many procedures in general care areas (such as
when administering injections, changing wound dressings, performing
urinary catheterizations, and administering intravenous therapy)

1. STERILE FIELD
microorganism-free area
established by using the innermost side of a sterile wrapper or by using a
sterile drape then sterile supplies can be placed on it
 STERILE TECHNIQUE
2. STERILE GLOVES
may be applied by the open method or the closed method
a.) Open Method - used outside the operating room
b.) Closed Method - requires that the nurse wear a sterile gown

gloves are worn during many procedures to handle sterile items freely
and to prevent clients at risk from becoming infected by
microorganisms.
STERILE TECHNIQUE
Nitrile Gloves - more flexible than vinyl, mold to the wearer’s hands, and allow
freedom of movement
SHOULD BE USED WHEN PERFORMING TASKS:
i. that demand flexibility
ii. that place stress on the material (e.g., turning stopcocks, handling sharp
instruments or tape)
iii. that involve a high risk of exposure to pathogens.

Vinyl Gloves - chosen for tasks unlikely to stress the glove material, requiring
minimal precision, and with minimal risk of exposure to pathogens.

As of January 2017, the FDA has banned the use of powder in surgical and
examination gloves (FDA, 2016a)
 INFECTION PREVENTION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - investigates

potentially hazardous working conditions
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - agency of the U.S.
Department of Labor, publishes and enforces regulations to protect healthcare
workers from occupational injuries, including exposure to bloodborne pathogens in
the workplace
- requires that healthcare employers make the HBV vaccine and vaccination
series available to all employees
 INFECTION PREVENTION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Occupational Exposure - skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact

with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the
performance of an employee’s duties

- Using proper precautions with general medical asepsis, appropriately using PPE
(gloves, masks, gowns, goggles, special resuscitative equipment), and avoiding
carelessness in the clinical area will place the caregiver at significantly less risk for
injury.
 ROLE OF THE INFECTION PREVENTION NURSE

Infection Prevention Nurse - specially trained to be knowledgeable

about the latest research and practices in preventing, detecting, and
treating infections.

5) EVALUATION
GROUP 1 (BSN 1-1)

Acantilado, Gio
Baccay, Prancer
Cayetano, Karen Joy
Ibarra, Princess D.
Lannu, Chrysler
Magday, James Jovit
Navarro, John Paul
Rueda, Arabela Gracy