Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

Which factor is most directly linked to an increased risk of developing a surgical site infection postoperatively?

Answer: Prolonged operative time greater than the 75th percentile for the procedure

Prolonged operative time increases SSI risk by extending exposure of the wound to environmental contaminants and reducing host defenses.

When performing surgical site skin preparation, which technique is correct for applying an antiseptic solution?

Answer: Use a circular motion from the incision site outward to the periphery

Prep solution is applied from the clean incision center outward in concentric circles to prevent dragging contamination toward the incision.

Which is the correct criterion for removing a surgical case from an IUSS (immediate-use steam sterilization) cycle and using the item?

Answer: The biological and chemical indicators confirm a successful cycle and the item is used immediately without storage

IUSS items must pass all cycle parameters and be delivered immediately to the sterile field without storage, wrapping, or delay.

How should the perioperative nurse respond when a visitor or observer in the OR is observed repeatedly touching their face and then touching the sterile field?

Answer: Immediately instruct the observer to move away from the sterile field and notify the surgeon

Any breach of the sterile field must be addressed immediately to prevent patient harm; the nurse is accountable for maintaining aseptic technique.

In the context of CNOR infection prevention, what does the term 'standard precautions' require?

Answer: Treating blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes of all patients as potentially infectious

Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis and treat all blood and body substances as potentially infectious.

Which action represents a break in sterile technique during a total knee arthroplasty?

Answer: The scrub person reaches across the sterile field to hand an instrument to the surgeon on the opposite side

Reaching across the sterile field risks contamination from unsterile areas above and around the drapes, violating aseptic technique.

Which environmental control measure most effectively reduces airborne particle counts in the OR during an orthopedic implant procedure?

Answer: Keeping OR doors closed throughout the procedure to maintain positive pressure and laminar airflow

Keeping OR doors closed maintains positive pressure and laminar airflow, which minimizes the influx of contaminated corridor air.