Sterility and Sterile Fields

Introduction

• Presenter: Maris
• Topic: Sterility and sterile fields
• Reference: Fundamentals of Nursing flashcards (starting at card 53)
• Platform: leveluprn.com

Indications for Sterile Field

• Use for sterile procedures:
  • Invasive procedures (e.g., starting a central line, PICC line)
  • Inserting urinary catheters (straight or indwelling)
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Surgical procedures
• Not used for:
  • Non-invasive activities (e.g., passing medications, taking vital signs)
  • Use medical asepsis (routine clean practices)

Medical Asepsis vs. Surgical Asepsis

• Medical Asepsis:
  • Prevent pathogen transmission
  • Handwashing, wearing clean gloves
• Surgical Asepsis:
  • Strict sterile procedure to prevent pathogen transmission

Best Practices for Maintaining a Sterile Field

• Do not turn your back: Risk of contamination if not visible
• Hands above waist: Anything below the waist is non-sterile
• No reaching over: Avoid non-sterile arms/sleeves over sterile field
• Avoid talking/coughing/sneezing over sterile field
• Check packaging: Integrity and intactness of sterile packaging
• Maintain dry field: Moisture contaminates a sterile field
• 1-inch border: Considered non-sterile around the sterile field

Preparing a Sterile Field

• Opening packages:
  • Topmost flap opens away from the body
  • Open flaps in order: away, side, side, then closest to you
• Pouring sterile solutions:
  • Cap placed with inside facing up
  • Cover bottle label with palm
  • Hold bottle 2 inches above the pouring surface
  • Pour slowly to avoid splashing

Recommended Practices

• Practice skills: Develop muscle memory, e.g., keeping hands above waist
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Next Topics

• Upcoming video topics:
  • Bed baths
  • Bed making
  • Oral care
  • Denture care
  • Seizure precautions

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