ASEPSIS
INTRODUCTION
Infection is the growth of microorganisms in
the body tissue where they are not usually
found.
Asepsis is the freedom from disease-cuasing
microorganisms.
ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE
Used to decrease the possibility of transferring microorganisms from one
place to another
Medical Asepsis Surgical Asepsis
Reduces the number of Otherwise known as the
pathogens sterile technique
Uses CLEAN Techniques Eliminates ALL Pathogens
Medical Handwashing Used in the ff procedures:
Used in the ff procedures:
Medication Administration Wound Dressing Change
Enema Surgical Procedures
Tube Feedings
MICROORGANISMS
Bacteria - most common
infection-causing microbe
Viruses - consists of
primarily nucleic acid and
enter cells to reproduce
Fungi - yeasts and molds
Parasites - live in other
living organisms
TYPE OF INFECTIONS
Local Infection - specific part of the
body
Example: Covid-19 (viral), TB
(bacterial), Athlete’s Foot (fungal),
Malaria (parasitic)
Systemic Infection - microorganisms
spread and damage different parts
NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION
Infection that originates in the
hospital or during the client’s stay
in the facility or the setting
Iatrogenic Infections - result of
diagnostic or therapeutic
procedures
CARDINAL SIGNS OF INFECTION /
INFLAMMATION
Rubor (Redness)
Edema / Tumor
(Swelling)
Calor (Heat)
Dolor (Pain)
Purulent Drainage
Loss of Function
ETIOLOGIC AGENT
The microorganism that is capable
of producing an infection
Note: The microbe’s ability to
produce an infection depends on the
number of microorganisms, virulence,
potency, and the susceptibility of
the host.
RESERVOIR
The source of microorganisms
Carrier - is a person
or animal that is a
reservoir but does
not manifest any
clinical signs of the
disease
PORTAL OF EXIT
The area where the
infection leaves the
reservoir
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
1. Direct Transmission - immediate
transfer (touching, kissing, sexual
intercourse)
*Droplet Spread - host is within 1
meter (sneezing, coughing, spitting
singing, talking)
2. Indirect Transmission
Vehicle-borne transmission - any substance that
serves as an intermediate means to transport and
introduce an infection
Fomites - inanimate materials can act as vehicles
Water, food, blood, serum, and plasma - are vehicles
Ex. Hep A infection - food-borne disease
Vector-borne transmission
An animal or insect that serves as an intermediate
means of transporting the infectious agent.
Injecting salivary fluid during bites or by depositing
feces
(Ticks, Mites)
3. Airborne Transmission - may involve droplets or
dust. Droplet nuclei or the residue of evaporated
droplets emitted by an infected host can remain in
the air for a long time.
PORTAL OF ENTRY
Often the microorganisms enter the
body, the same route they used to
leave the source
SUSCEPTIBLE HOST
Any person who is at risk for
infection
CHAIN OF INFECTION
WHAT CAN WE DO AS
NURSES?
Agent
1. Correctly clean, disinfect, or sterilize articles before using
2. Educating clients and support persons about appropriate
methods to clean, disinfect, and sterilize articles.
RESERVOIR
1. Changing dressings and bandages when soiled or wet.
2. Appropriate skin and oral hygiene
3. Disposing of damp and soiled
linens appropriately.
4. Disposing of feces and urine in appropriate
receptacles
5. Ensuring that all fluid containers are covered
or capped.
5. Emptying suction bottles and drainage bottle at end
of each shift or before full or according to agency
policy.
5. Emptying suction bottles and drainage bottle at end of each shift
or before full or according to agency policy.
PORTAL OF EXIT
1. Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
2. Avoiding talking, coughing, sneezing
over open wounds or the sterile area.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
1. Proper Handwashing
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
2. Wearing of the appropriate personal
protective equipment especially when handling
secretions and excretions. (GLOVES, MASKS,
EYE PROTECTION)
3. Placing discarded soiled materials in
moisture-proof bags.
SUSCEPTIBLE HOST
1. Maintaining the skin integrity and the mucous
membranes of the client
2. Ensuring proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle
3. Proper education on the importance of immunization
FACTORS INCREASING SUSCEPTIBILITY
1. AGE - extremes of age are at greater risk of infection due to immature immune system
and decreased physiologic function
2. Heredity - Development of infection have a genetic
susceptibility.
3. Cultural Practices - Healthcare beliefs and practices, as well as nutritional
and hygiene practicies can influence the susceptibility to disease.
4. Nutrition - Inadequate nutrition can make a person more susceptible to illness
5. Stress - Physical and Emotional stress affect the body’s ability against microbes
6. Rest and Exercise Pattern
7. Any physiological abnormality can influence normal defense of the body
8. Environment
9. Immunization
PRINCIPLES OF ASEPTIC
TECHNIQUE
THE NURSING PROCESS
SYSTEMATIC, RATIONAL METHOD OF
PLANNING THAT GUIDES ALL NURSING
ACTIONS IN DELIVERING HOLISTIC AND
PATIENT-FOCUSED CARE
THE NURSING PROCESS
ASSESSMENT
DIAGNOSIS
PLANNING
IMPLEMENTATION
EVALUATION
ASSESSMENT
Nursing History
(Degree to which the client is at risk of developing of an
infection, client’s complaints, emotional stressors,
nutritional status)
Physical Assessment
(open wounds, localized infectious process, age, signs of
infection)
Laboratory Data
(Elevated WBCs, urine, blood, sputum or drainage
cultures)
NURSING DIAGNOSIS
RISK FOR INFECTION - the individual is at increased
risk for being invaded by pathogens
Collaborative Problems with the presence of an infection
Potential Complication of Infection: Fever
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements (for
patients who are too ill to eat)
Acute Pain (for patients experiencing tissue damage and
discomfort)
Impaired Social Interaction (if the patient is required to
be separated)
Anxiety (if the patient experiences changes with lifestyle)
PLANNING / OUTCOME CRITERIA
RISK FOR INFECTION
What are my goals for my patient?
Maintain or Restore defenses
Avoid the spread of infectious organisms
Reduce or alleviate problems associated with the
infection
After ____ of nursing interventions, the client will be from
infection by manifesting positive understanding of the
different measures to control or prevent infection.
Specifically:
1. Acquire better understanding and perform medical
handwashing
2. Improve personal hygiene
3. Manifest a clean environment
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
1. Demonstrate medical handwashing
2. Assist the client in performing personal hygiene (if able)
3. Change soiled bed linens
4. Perform environmental care (bed and bedside)
EVALUATION
After performing my nursing interventions, the patient was free from
infection and manifested different measures to control or prevent
infection.
Specifically:
1. Performed medical handwashing
2. Improved Personal Hygiene
3. Maintained a clean environment