![]() Firstly, active immunity is acquired when the body has been exposed to or suffered an infection this is ‘naturally acquired’ immunity. ![]() Immunity is the capacity of the body’s immune system to defend itself successfully against potentially infectious agents. The immune response, the third line of protection, is a specific body defence. The prohibitive costs of developing new antimicrobial drugs have led to a greater emphasis on appropriate prescribing practices and more stringent infection control measures to limit the spread of resistant organisms in hospitals ( Lee & Bishop, 2006 NZ Ministry of Health, 2007). ![]() Other microorganisms that have become resistant to antimicrobial drugs include vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB), which is transmitted by droplets from infected individuals or improperly cleaned bronchoscopes and anaesthetic equipment. aureus is frequently implicated in SSIs ( Lee & Bishop, 2006). MRSA has become a serious concern among hospitalised patients and can be fatal in those who are susceptible (Phillips, 2007). aureus (MRSA), which is also resistant to other categories of antimicrobials. Those of concern in the perioperative environment include methicillin-resistant S. The emergence of strains of pathogens that are resistant to currently available antimicrobial drugs represents a significant threat to surgical patients. Table 5-1 Common microorganisms found in the perioperative environmentĭevelopment of resistance to antimicrobial drugs Table 5-1 summaries the common microorganisms found in the perioperative environment. Prions are unusually resistant to conventional chemical and physical sterilising methods, and special protocols for managing instruments that have been used on infected or potentially infected patients are discussed later in this chapter ( Nicolette, 2007). ![]() The mechanism of infection that causes CJD is still unclear, although it is thought that prions have the ability to convert normal protein molecules into dangerous ones ( Burton & Engelkirk, 2000). They are implicated in unusual neurodegenerative disorders, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or ‘mad cow disease’ and, in humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) (Lee & Bishop, 2006). Prions are small infectious particles consisting of protein only with no nucleic acid. Staphylococci are strongly associated with healthcare-associated (nosocomial) infection (HAI). aureus can cause toxic shock syndrome which, if left untreated, can be fatal ( Lee & Bishop, 2006 Phillips, 2007). For example, they can enter the wound of a surgical patient and cause a wound infection or worse, because of their ability to develop resistance to antibiotics quickly (Lee & Bishop, 2006). These bacteria are transmitted from the hands of the host to another person, where they can subsequently have significant negative effects. ![]() Staphylococci can survive for long periods in the air, dust, bedding and clothing, making cleanliness of the perioperative environment paramount (Phillips, 2007). INFECTION CONTROL AND MEDICAL ASEPSIS SKINThey can exist in these areas without any adverse effect on the host and those that live on the skin are termed ‘transient’ organisms. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) are round or spherical-shaped Gram-positive bacteria, and are part of the normal flora found on the skin and mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, urethra and vagina. Given that the role of the perioperative nurse is paramount in maintaining surgical integrity, and enhancing positive patient outcomes, strict adherence to surgical asepsis is vital to prevent SSIs and other complications.Staphylococci (e.g. The findings showed areas of compliance and noncompliance with the principles of asepsis. Perioperative scrub RNs were less likely to wear shoe covers during surgical procedures than ORTs (M = 3.42 and 4.17 mdn = 3.00 and 5.00 respectively p =. The purpose of this study was to examine the practices of perioperative scrub personnel with surgical asepsis.Ī sizable percentage of participants indicated that they never or rarely observe breaches in the sterile field during surgery with regards to open suction drain systems (46.6% n = 41), closed suction drain systems (46.6% n = 41), suture material (39.7% n = 35), use of surgical instruments (37.5% n = 33), and prosthetic implants (56.8% n = 50). Perioperative nurses are expected to demonstrate strict adherence with asepsis principles to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) as breaching of these principles poses a serious risk of infection to surgical patients.Ī descriptive survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 87 perioperative personnel to describe self-reported compliance with the principles of asepsis during surgery. ![]()
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