Surgical Site Infection Prevention Flashcards

Which CDC SSI category includes infections involving only skin and subcutaneous tissue at the incision site?

Answer: Superficial incisional SSI

Superficial incisional SSIs involve only the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the incision site within 30 days of surgery.

What is the recommended timing for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis administration to reduce SSI risk?

Answer: Within 60 minutes before incision

Prophylactic antibiotics should be administered within 60 minutes before the surgical incision to achieve adequate tissue levels at the time of the procedure.

Which method is preferred for preoperative hair removal to reduce SSI risk?

Answer: Clipping with electric clippers

Electric clippers are preferred over razors because razors cause microabrasions that disrupt skin integrity and increase SSI risk.

Which preoperative skin antiseptic agent is recommended for clean-contaminated surgical procedures?

Answer: Chlorhexidine-alcohol

Chlorhexidine-alcohol is the preferred preoperative skin antiseptic due to its superior persistent antimicrobial activity compared to other agents.

Which patient comorbidity most significantly increases SSI risk in elective surgery?

Answer: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

Uncontrolled hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil function and wound healing, substantially increasing the risk of SSI.

According to CDC guidelines, how long should prophylactic antibiotics be continued postoperatively for most surgical procedures?

Answer: Less than 24 hours

CDC guidelines recommend discontinuing prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours after surgery for most procedures to minimize resistance and adverse effects.