Basic Sterile Technique

- known as sterile technique
- designed to render/maintain objects free from microorganisms
- strict adherence is mandatory

- routine in the following areas
operating room, labor & delivery, cardiac cath labs, gastronintestinal labs, can be performed at bedside

The more risk for contamination

- all items used must be sterile
- sterile barrier that is permeated by moisture is contaminated (ex: spill saline ofn drape, patient cough on it = contaminated)
- open packages around the edges are considered unsterile
- gowns are sterile from waist to chest in front only

- check expiration date, do not have endless shelf life
- only table level is sterile
- when in doubt about an item it is unsterile
- only sterile items or persons touch sterile item/areas
- caution movement in sterile areas (don't reach over anything sterile)

- face inverted, touch only outer rim, don't touch the inside.
- can use bottle up to 24 hrs if handled properly

- established immediately before the procedure
- field must always be in view (ex: don't want a confused patient batting around it)
- never cover the sterile field
- lable all bottles used with the date & time of opening

- a break in the tissues of the body
- usually caused by external force
- falls, mishandling of sharp objects, tools, machinery, weapons, motor vehicle accidents, surgery

- abrasions
- incisions
- lacerations
- punctures
- burns
- chronic

Layers of wound separate and open
- gauze with normal saline to keep moist and clean, then call MD

Any surgery thats invasive
- staples or sutures

Caused by outside force

- lose peripheral pervision
- decreasing sensation in lower extremeties
- may not feel it
- slow to heal

Veins are faulty, valves damaged
- ulcers on lower extremeties
- use compression stockings

- arteries damaged
- leg yellow
- circulation to leg is impaired, not getting circulation from heart
- cooler to touch, pale