Sterile technique

When is an object considered sterile?

When it is free from any living organisms

Why is sterile technique used?

to prevent the introduction or spread of pathogens from the environment to the client

What is the requirement for methods used to sterilize?

they must kill or retard the growth of pathogens without damaging the material or persons being treated

How does an object become sterile?

it must kill or retard growth of the pathogens without damaging the material or person being treated

What are the methods for sterilization?

extreme heat/steam sterilization (autoclave), potent chemicals, gas, gas sterilization (ethylene oxide), radiation

What needs to be sterilized?

any item entering sterile tissues or the vascular system, and anything that touches items that enter sterile tissues or the vascular system (catheters, IV, needles for injection, dressings, gloves, package, wrappings)

How is every item used in a sterile field kept sterile?

by sterilizing appropriately, checking expiration dates, making sure packages are dry and intact, storing in clean dry storage areas away from sink and off the floor, and checking chemical indicators of sterilization

What happens to a sterile item if it is touched by a non-sterile item?

it is no longer sterile

What happens if an object is out of vision or below the waist?

it is no longer sterile

How can you avoid contamination by touching a sterile item with a non-sterile item?

handle sterile objects that will touch open wounds or enter body cavities only with sterile forceps or sterile gloves, discard objects that come in contact with unsterile ojbects, whenever the sterility of an item is questionable, assume the item is unste

Whenever the sterility of an item is in question, you should

assume the article is unsterile

Once left unattended, a sterile field is considered

unsterile

To maintain view of sterile objects and maintain a sterile field, you should

never turn your back on a sterile field

How do you maintain sterility when wearing gloves?

by keeping sterile gloved hands in sight and above waist level, touching only objects that are sterile

What is an important time consideration with sterility?

sterile items can become unsterile by prolonged exposure?

How should the environment be maintained to ensure sterility?

keep doors closed and traffic to a minimum, keep areas as clean as possible by sterile cleaning

What personal habits should health care professionals assume to maintain sterility?

keep hair clean, short and tied back, refrain from sneezing or coughing over sterile field (wear a mask)

What should be remembered about reaching and moving objects when working in a sterile field?

you should not reach over a sterile field, you should not move unsterile objects over a sterile field

How does moisture affect sterile objects?

moisture that passes through sterile objects contaminates it

How are sterile objects kept safe from moisture?

moisture proof barriers are used beneath sterile objects

Why is the use of a moisture proof barrier in a sterile field important?

because it prevents seeping beneath the sterile object if liquids are spilled

What is the status of the edges of a sterile field?

they are considered unsterile

the measurement of the edge around a sterile field that is considered unsterile is

one inch

Because the edges of a sterile field are considered unsterile, it is important to place objects

more than one inch inside the edges of a sterile field

What happens to an object if it falls outside a sterile field?

it is considered unsterile

Can the skin be sterilized?

no, sterile gloves or forcepts must be used to handle sterile items, and prior to a sterile procedure, hands must be washed

The person who sees a sterile object contaminated must

correct or report the situation

Someone wants to set up their sterile field ahead of time to save time, because they know they will be busy. Is this permissible?

NO