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.
