What are Sterile Techniques?
Sterile techniques, also known as aseptic techniques, are practices used by nurses to prevent contamination by pathogens and maintain a sterile environment during medical procedures. These techniques are crucial in reducing the risk of infections in patients, especially during surgeries, catheter insertions, and dressing changes.
Why are Sterile Techniques Important in Nursing?
Sterile techniques are vital because they significantly decrease the risk of
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These infections can lead to severe complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. By adhering to sterile techniques, nurses ensure patient safety and improve overall outcomes.
What are the Key Principles of Sterile Techniques?
1.
Hand Hygiene: Proper handwashing is the foundation of sterile techniques. Nurses must clean their hands before and after any procedure to eliminate potential pathogens.
2.
Sterile Field: Establishing and maintaining a sterile field is essential. This involves using sterile drapes and ensuring that all instruments and supplies are sterile.
3.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate PPE such as sterile gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection helps maintain a sterile environment.
4.
Sterile Touch: Only sterile items should touch the patient's sterile areas. Non-sterile items must never come into contact with the sterile field.
5.
Environmental Controls: Minimizing traffic and keeping doors closed in areas where sterile procedures are performed can help maintain sterility.
How to Perform Sterile Handwashing?
1.
Remove Jewelry: Take off rings, watches, and bracelets.
2.
Wet Hands: Use warm water to thoroughly wet your hands and forearms.
3.
Apply Soap: Use an antimicrobial soap and create a lather.
4.
Scrub: Scrub your hands and forearms for at least 20 seconds, focusing on all surfaces including between fingers and under nails.
5.
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all soap is removed.
6.
Dry: Use a sterile towel to dry your hands and forearms.
How to Set Up a Sterile Field?
1.
Choose a Clean Area: Select a clean, flat surface in a low-traffic area.
2.
Perform Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling sterile supplies.
3.
Open Sterile Supplies: Open sterile packages without touching the inside contents or the sterile surfaces.
4.
Use Sterile Drapes: Lay out sterile drapes on the surface to create a sterile field.
5.
Arrange Sterile Instruments: Place sterile instruments and supplies on the sterile drapes, ensuring they do not touch non-sterile surfaces.
What are Common Mistakes to Avoid in Sterile Techniques?
1.
Touch Contamination: Ensure that sterile gloves and instruments do not touch non-sterile surfaces.
2.
Breaking Sterile Field: Avoid reaching over or turning your back on the sterile field.
3.
Improper PPE Use: Always wear and properly dispose of PPE.
4.
Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Never skip handwashing before and after procedures.
5.
Poor Environmental Controls: Minimize unnecessary movement and maintain a controlled environment.
What Should You Do if Sterility is Compromised?
If you suspect that sterility has been compromised, immediately stop the procedure and assess the situation. Replace any contaminated items, re-establish the sterile field, and perform hand hygiene again. It's crucial to inform relevant healthcare team members and take corrective actions to prevent infection risks.
Conclusion
Sterile techniques are a cornerstone of safe nursing practice. By understanding and meticulously following these principles, nurses can effectively prevent infections and ensure the well-being of their patients. Continuous education and adherence to protocols are essential in maintaining high standards of sterility in healthcare settings.
