RN Infection Control and Patient Safety Related

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The nurse manager is reviewing the principles of surgical asepsis with the nursing staff. In which situations should the nurse manager communicate to the staff that it is necessary to use the principles of surgical asepsis? Select all that apply.

  • A. Removing a dressing
  • B. Reapplying sterile dressings
  • C. Inserting an intravenous (IV) line
  • D. Inserting a urinary (Foley) catheter
  • E. Suctioning the tracheobronchial airway
  • F. Caring for an immunosuppressed client
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E

Rationale: Surgical asepsis involves the use of sterile technique. Some examples of procedures in which surgical asepsis is necessary include reapplying sterile dressings, inserting an IV or urinary catheter, and suctioning the tracheobronchial airway. Medical asepsis, or clean technique, includes procedures to reduce and prevent the spread of microorganisms. Removing a dressing can be done by clean technique using clean gloves (although reapplying the dressing requires surgical asepsis). Caring for an immunosuppressed client requires medical asepsis techniques.