Surgical Site Infection Prevention Flashcards

Which NHSN surgical wound classification carries the highest risk of SSI?

Answer: Dirty-infected

Dirty-infected wounds involve existing infection or perforated viscera before surgery and carry the highest inherent SSI risk.

What is the primary reason for maintaining perioperative normothermia to reduce SSI risk?

Answer: Preserving neutrophil function and tissue oxygen tension

Normothermia (36–38°C) preserves immune cell function and tissue oxygenation, both of which are critical for preventing SSI.

Which intraoperative surgical technique factor is a known modifiable SSI risk?

Answer: Dead space creation in wound closure

Dead space in wound closure allows fluid accumulation and bacterial growth, creating conditions that promote SSI development.

What does the NHSN definition require for a deep incisional SSI?

Answer: Infection within 30 days involving fascia and muscle layers

NHSN defines deep incisional SSI as an infection occurring within 30 days that involves the fascial and muscle layers at the incision site.

Which preoperative intervention reduces nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and lowers SSI risk?

Answer: Intranasal mupirocin application

Intranasal mupirocin decolonizes S. aureus nasal carriers and has been shown to significantly reduce S. aureus SSI rates.

What is the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) target for perioperative blood glucose in cardiac surgery patients?

Answer: Less than 200 mg/dL in the 18–24 hours postoperatively

SCIP guidelines specify maintaining blood glucose below 200 mg/dL in the 18–24 hours following cardiac surgery to reduce SSI risk.