Nurs 339 Ch. 3 Quiz: Periop Infection Prevention & Control

The nursing student should tell another member of the surgical team (i.e. the circulating nurse) of the occurrence. This is because dropping the drapes below waist level can potentially contaminate them, regardless of whether they touched the floor or not. It is important to maintain a sterile environment during surgery to prevent infections and complications. By informing another team member, the student can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the situation and maintain patient safety.

Sterile gowns are considered sterile in the front from the shoulder to the level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from 2 inches above the elbow to the cuff. This means that these areas of the gown are free from microorganisms and other contaminants. However, the cuff of the gown is considered unsterile, meaning that it may come into contact with non-sterile objects or surfaces. Therefore, the statement "Sterile gowns are considered sterile in front from shoulder to level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from 2 inches above elbow to the cuff; the cuff is considered unsterile" is true.

Dry heat sterilization is a method that involves using high temperatures to kill microorganisms. It is typically used when materials cannot withstand other sterilization methods such as steam or chemical sterilization. This is because dry heat sterilization does not involve moisture, which can cause damage to certain materials. Therefore, the statement that dry heat sterilization should only be used when materials cannot be sterilized using any other method is true.

The ultimate goal of surgical hand hygiene is not to sterilize the skin, but rather to reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands to a safe level. Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, which is not achievable through hand hygiene alone. Surgical hand hygiene aims to minimize the risk of infection by removing or killing as many microorganisms as possible, but it does not achieve sterilization.

The least likely situation to breed resistance is when the patient's doctor prescribes a narrow-spectrum antibiotic to eliminate the specific pathogen which is known to be infecting the patient. By targeting the specific pathogen, the narrow-spectrum antibiotic minimizes the exposure of other bacteria to the antibiotic, reducing the chances of developing resistance. This approach ensures that only the necessary bacteria are targeted, minimizing the overall selection pressure for resistance development.

Hand hygiene is the most important action that a nurse or any healthcare provider can do to prevent the spread of infection. Regularly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers helps to remove and kill harmful germs that may be present on the hands. By practicing proper hand hygiene, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infections to patients and themselves.

The first line of defense against infection is the external barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, which act as physical barriers to prevent pathogens from entering the body. The second line of defense is the inflammatory response, which involves the release of chemicals and the recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection to eliminate pathogens and promote tissue repair. Finally, the third line of defense is the immune response, which involves the activation of specific immune cells and the production of antibodies to target and eliminate pathogens. Therefore, the correct order in which the body's defenses are utilized is II, IV, I.

Gram-positive cocci are the most common group of microorganisms that cause surgical site infections (SSIs). These bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which makes them resistant to many antibiotics. They can easily colonize the skin, mucous membranes, and surgical wounds, leading to infections. Examples of gram-positive cocci include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are commonly found in the environment and on the skin of healthy individuals, making them a frequent cause of SSIs.

The patient should be placed in a private, negative-pressure room to prevent the spread of airborne microorganisms to other patients and healthcare personnel. Personnel should wear OSHA-specified respiratory protection when entering the patient's room to protect themselves from potential airborne microorganisms. In addition to airborne-specific precautions, standard precautions should also be followed to prevent the transmission of other infectious agents. During patient transport, a surgical mask should be placed over the patient's nose and mouth to minimize the release of infectious droplets. Personnel entering the patient's room should also wear a surgical mask to protect themselves from potential airborne microorganisms.