UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE FACULTY OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF NURSING FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING I-NURS 104(4) TOPIC: ASEPSIS OBJECTIVES: At the end of the 4-hour session the students will be able to: 1 2. Define the term aseptic practice. Describe two categories of asepsis. Describe three (3) methods used to control microorganisms. Briefly describe what is barrier nursing, View video on hand-washing technique. ‘Suecessfully perform hand-washing technique, f,- 67% Prinepee + ; Packer p Reyie® AsproAseptic Practice This refers to techniques that are used to keep objects or people free from microorganisms. The dramatic reduction in the incidence of disease that occurred during the late 1800°s and 1900 was largely the result of understanding that microorganisms caused disease and that these organisms could be controlled. Categories of Asepsis 1, Medi 1 asepsis: refers to measures taken fo control and reduce the number of pathogenic organisms present. It is also known as “clean technique.” Examples of medical asepsis include handwashing, gloving, gowning and disinfecting to help control microbial growth, 2, Surgieal asepsis: “sterile technique”. To be sterile, an object must be free of all microorganisms. Sterile technique is used to prevent the introduction or spread of pathogens from the environment to the client. Sterile technique is used when a body cavity is entered with an object that may damage the mucous membranes, Eg. Surgical procedures - IV Catheter, injections, urinary catheterization, dressing changes Client with compromised immune system- burn clients, premature babies, patients with AIDS ‘Three (3) Methods Used to Control Microorganisms 1. Cleaning: physical removal of visible dirt and debris by washing, dusting, or mopping surfaces that are contaminated. Soap is used for mechanical cleaning.2 3 Contamination refers to an unclean condition when microorganisms are actually or potentially present. Decontamination refers to the removal of potentially pathogenic microorganisms using a process that makes that makes the item safe to handle before other procedures are performed, Cleaning precedes disinfection and sterilization. After a client is discharged, the room should be cleaned as thought the patient were infected Disinfection: refers to the processes used to reduce the numbers of potential pathogens from the surface of an object, usually by chemical or physical means, These processes do not necessarily remove all potential infection because spores may remain that may grow at a later time, Disinfectants: alcohol, chlorine compounds, hydrogen peroxide Antisepties are used to retard bacterial growth on living organisms. Most commonly antiseptics are use for handwashing, as skin preparation before invasive procedures and to pack or irrigate wounds. Eg: povidone iodine, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol Sterilization: is the complete destruction of all microorganisms, leaving no viable forms of organisms, including spores. Sterilization processes requires extremes of heat, potent chemicals, or gas that cannot be used on body tissues. Any process used to sterilize equipment must be effective in killing organisms but not destructive to the equipment.