NLE Fundamentals of Nursing & the Nursing Process — Asepsis, Infection Control & Patient SafetyCheat Sheet
Asepsis, Infection Control & Patient Safety cheat sheet — the reference card you wish you had on exam day. Condensed from the full study notes, this is the high-yield core of Asepsis, Infection Control & Patient Safety for NLE Fundamentals of Nursing & the Nursing Process. Download, print, revise.
Exam context
For the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) — Board of Nursing tests Fundamentals of Nursing & the Nursing Process under a "Core" label, with Asepsis, Infection Control & Patient Safety in the 4th slot across 8 chapters. NLE candidates must clear the 75% weighted average with no sub-test below 60% cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 50 Fundamentals of Nursing & the Nursing Process questions. Date to watch: Bi-annual.
Asepsis, Infection Control & Patient Safety - Cheat Sheet
Your last-minute reference for NLE exam success. Cover the chain of infection, asepsis methods, hand hygiene, PPE protocols, isolation precautions, HAI prevention, and patient safety in 30 minutes.
Sections
Section Title
Chain of Infection (6 Links – Break Any One)
Important Facts
- **Link 1: Infectious Agent** — bacteria, virus, fungi, parasite.
- **Link 2: Reservoir** — human, animal, environment, equipment.
- **Link 3: Portal of Exit** — respiratory, GI, GU, blood, skin.
- **Link 4: Mode of Transmission** — contact (direct/indirect), droplet, airborne, vehicle, vector.
- **Link 5: Portal of Entry** — broken skin, mucous membranes, invasive lines.
- **Link 6: Susceptible Host** — immunocompromised, very young/elderly, malnourished.
- **Hand hygiene is the SINGLE most effective way to break the chain.**
Key Definitions
Term
Chain of Infection
Example
Hand hygiene breaks the transmission link in the chain.
Definition
Six sequential links required for infection transmission; breaking any one interrupts spread.
Diagrams To Know
- Chain of Infection linear flow (agent → reservoir → exit → transmission → entry → host)
Section Title
Stages of Infection
Important Facts
- **Local inflammation signs:** redness (rubor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), loss of function (functio laesa).
- **Systemic infection signs:** fever, leukocytosis (elevated WBC), malaise, lymphadenopathy.
- **Prodromal stage is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS** despite vague symptoms.
Key Definitions
Term
Incubation
Example
COVID-19 incubation is typically 2–14 days.
Definition
Time from exposure to first symptoms; patient is usually asymptomatic but may be contagious.
Term
Prodromal
Example
Mild sore throat before full influenza develops.
Definition
Early, vague, nonspecific symptoms (fatigue, malaise); highly communicable period.
Term
Illness (Acute)
Example
High fever, severe cough in pneumonia.
Definition
Specific signs and symptoms peak; patient is most symptomatic and typically most contagious.
Term
Convalescence
Example
Patient improving, returning to normal activity.
Definition
Recovery phase; symptoms resolve and immunity builds.
Diagrams To Know
- Infection timeline: Incubation → Prodromal → Acute Illness → Convalescence
Section Title
Body Defenses Against Infection
Important Facts
- **Nonspecific defenses:** intact skin/mucous membranes, normal flora, gastric acid, cilia, cough/sneeze reflexes, inflammatory response, phagocytosis.
- **Specific defenses:** antibody-mediated (humoral, B lymphocytes) and cell-mediated (T lymphocytes).
- **Highest-risk groups:** very young, elderly, immunocompromised (chemotherapy, HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, corticosteroids, invasive devices).
Key Definitions
Term
Nonspecific (Innate) Immunity
Example
Intact skin, stomach acid, cilia in lungs.
Definition
First-line defenses present from birth; do not target specific pathogens.
Term
Specific (Adaptive) Immunity
Example
Antibodies against measles after vaccination or infection.
Definition
Develops during lifetime; targets specific pathogens via antibodies (B cells) or cell-mediated response (T cells).
Diagrams To Know
- Immune response cascade: pathogen → innate response → adaptive response
Common Values
Value
1 inch (2.5 cm)
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Contaminated border width
Value
~5 cm
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Sterile sleeve coverage above elbow
Section Title
Medical vs Surgical Asepsis (CRITICAL NLE TOPIC)
Important Facts
- **Medical asepsis:** keep clean and dirty separate; move clean → dirty.
- **Surgical asepsis: ONLY sterile touches sterile.**
- **1-inch (2.5 cm) outer border of sterile field is CONTAMINATED.**
- **Anything BELOW waist level or table edge is CONTAMINATED.**
- **Keep hands ABOVE waist and IN SIGHT at all times.**
- **MOISTURE wicks microorganisms (strike-through = contamination) — a wet field is contaminated.**
- **Do NOT reach across sterile field; do NOT turn your back on it.**
- **Sterile persons face each other.**
- **Sterile gown: sterile front (chest to waist) and sleeves (cuff to ~5 cm above elbow).**
- **IF IN DOUBT ABOUT STERILITY, CONSIDER IT CONTAMINATED.**
- **Sterile field created just before use; never left unattended.**
Key Definitions
Term
Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique)
Example
Handwashing, clean gloves, patient hygiene, routine wound care.
Definition
Reduces **number** of microorganisms; prevents spread; used for routine care.
Term
Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique)
Example
Catheterization, surgery, sterile dressing changes, lumbar puncture, injections into sterile sites.
Definition
Renders area **completely free** of ALL microorganisms and spores; for invasive procedures.
Diagrams To Know
- Sterile field boundaries and contaminated zones
- Hand and body positioning in sterile field
Section Title
Spaulding Classification: Reprocessing Equipment
Important Facts
- **CLEANING MUST PRECEDE disinfection and sterilization** (organic matter shields microorganisms).
- **Steam autoclaving** is the most common, reliable, and economical sterilization method.
- **Sterilization methods:** autoclave (steam under pressure), ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma.
- **High-level disinfection:** glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid.
Key Definitions
Term
Critical Items
Example
Surgical instruments, catheters, implants.
Definition
Enter sterile tissue or vascular system; require **STERILIZATION**.
Term
Semi-Critical Items
Example
Endoscopes, respiratory equipment, laryngoscopes.
Definition
Contact mucous membranes; require **HIGH-LEVEL DISINFECTION**.
Term
Non-Critical Items
Example
BP cuffs, bedpans, stethoscopes, commodes.
Definition
Contact intact skin; require **CLEANING and LOW-/INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL DISINFECTION**.
Diagrams To Know
- Spaulding classification pyramid: risk level and reprocessing method
Common Values
Value
~20 seconds
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Recommended hand hygiene duration
Section Title
Hand Hygiene (HIGHEST-YIELD NLE TOPIC)
Important Facts
- **Moment 1:** Before touching a patient.
- **Moment 2:** Before a clean or aseptic procedure.
- **Moment 3:** After body-fluid exposure risk (blood, saliva, urine, feces, wound drainage).
- **Moment 4:** After touching a patient.
- **Moment 5:** After touching patient surroundings (bed, equipment, furniture).
- **Alcohol-based hand rub** for routine decontamination when hands are NOT visibly soiled.
- **SOAP AND WATER** when hands are visibly soiled and for **Clostridioides difficile** (spore-formers; alcohol ineffective).
- **Duration:** at least ~20 seconds.
- **Keep hands LOWER than elbows** during washing so water runs clean → dirty.
- **Hand hygiene is the SINGLE most effective infection-control measure.**
Key Definitions
Term
WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene
Example
Before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body-fluid exposure, after touching patient, after touching patient surroundings.
Definition
Critical times when hand hygiene MUST be performed to prevent transmission.
Diagrams To Know
- WHO 5 Moments timeline during patient care
Section Title
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Donning & Doffing
Important Facts
- **DONNING SEQUENCE:** Gown → Mask/Respirator → Goggles/Face Shield → Gloves.
- **DOFFING SEQUENCE:** Gloves → Goggles/Face Shield → Gown → Mask/Respirator.
- **Remove mask LAST, OUTSIDE the patient room.**
- **Perform HAND HYGIENE after removing all PPE.**
- **Gloves are single-use:** change between patients and between dirty/clean tasks on same patient.
- **PPE components:** gloves, gown, mask/respirator, eye protection (goggles/face shield).
Key Definitions
Term
Donning
Example
Gown → mask → goggles → gloves.
Definition
Putting on PPE in correct sequence to prevent self-contamination.
Term
Doffing
Example
Gloves → goggles → gown → mask (remove mask last, outside room).
Definition
Removing PPE in correct sequence, removing most contaminated items first.
Diagrams To Know
- PPE donning sequence flowchart
- PPE doffing sequence flowchart
Common Values
Value
~1 meter (3 feet)
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Droplet transmission distance
Section Title
Standard & Transmission-Based Precautions (MTV MNEMONIC)
Important Facts
- **Transmission-based precautions are USED IN ADDITION to standard precautions.**
- **CONTACT:** MRSA, VRE, *C. difficile*, scabies → gown + gloves; single room preferred.
- **DROPLET:** Influenza, pertussis, mumps, meningococcus, rubella → surgical mask; private room or spatial separation (1 meter).
- **AIRBORNE (MTV Mnemonic: Measles, TB, Varicella):** → N95 respirator + negative-pressure room with door closed.
- **PROTECTIVE/REVERSE (Immunocompromised):** → positive-pressure room; no fresh flowers or standing water.
- **Droplet precautions distance:** ~1 meter; airborne = long-distance transmission.
Key Definitions
Term
Standard Precautions
Example
Hand hygiene, PPE as needed, safe injection, respiratory hygiene.
Definition
Apply to **ALL patients** regardless of diagnosis; assume all blood, body fluids, secretions, and non-intact skin are infectious.
Term
Contact Precautions
Example
Patient with MRSA skin colonization.
Definition
For direct/indirect contact transmission (MRSA, VRE, *C. difficile*, scabies); use gown and gloves.
Term
Droplet Precautions
Example
Patient with confirmed influenza.
Definition
For large respiratory droplets (~1 meter): influenza, pertussis, mumps, *N. meningitidis*, rubella; wear **surgical mask**.
Term
Airborne Precautions
Example
Patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Definition
For small airborne nuclei (long-distance): **pulmonary TB, measles, varicella**; use **N95 respirator** and **negative-pressure room**.
Term
Protective (Reverse) Isolation
Example
Bone marrow transplant patient in hematologic malignancy.
Definition
Protects **immunocompromised** patient (neutropenia, transplant) from environmental organisms; **positive-pressure room**.
Diagrams To Know
- Transmission-based precautions flowchart by infection type
- PPE requirements by precaution type
Common Values
Value
30–45 degrees
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
VAP head of bed elevation
Value
Within 60 minutes
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Prophylactic antibiotic window for surgery
Section Title
Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention Bundles
Important Facts
- **CAUTI:** Insert only when indicated; aseptic technique; closed system; bag BELOW bladder level; remove early.
- **CLABSI:** Hand hygiene; maximal sterile barriers (large drape, full-body prep); chlorhexidine skin prep; daily necessity review.
- **VAP:** Head of bed 30–45°; oral care; sedation/spontaneous breathing assessments; DVT prophylaxis.
- **SSI:** Appropriate perioperative antibiotics (timing critical); glucose control; sterile technique; skin antisepsis; adequate ventilation.
- **Nurses support antimicrobial stewardship** to combat resistance.
Key Definitions
Term
CAUTI Prevention Bundle
Example
Keep drainage bag **below bladder level**; use aseptic technique on insertion.
Definition
Catheter-associated UTI prevention via indication review, aseptic insertion, closed drainage, and early removal.
Term
CLABSI Prevention Bundle
Example
Chlorhexidine skin prep before central line insertion.
Definition
Central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention via hand hygiene, maximal barriers, and antisepsis.
Term
VAP Prevention Bundle
Example
Elevate head of bed 30–45°; perform oral care q4–6h.
Definition
Ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention via head elevation, oral care, and spontaneous breathing assessments.
Term
SSI Prevention Bundle
Example
Administer prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes of surgery.
Definition
Surgical site infection prevention via perioperative antibiotics, glucose control, sterile technique, and skin antisepsis.
Diagrams To Know
- HAI bundle checklist timeline (insertion → maintenance → removal)
Common Values
Value
~2.5 cm
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Glove-cuff overlap with gown
Section Title
Sterile Gloving & Gowning
Important Facts
- **For open gloving:** Handle **inside (cuff) of first glove** with bare hands; touch **outside of second glove only with gloved hand.**
- **Keep gloved hands ABOVE waist and IN VIEW at all times.**
- **Touch ONLY sterile to sterile.**
- **If glove tears or is contaminated, CHANGE IT immediately.**
- **Sterile gown:**front (chest to waist) and sleeves (cuff to ~5 cm above elbow) are sterile; back and internal surfaces are NOT sterile.
- **Glove cuffs should overlap gown cuffs (~2.5 cm).**
Key Definitions
Term
Open (Closed Hand) Gloving
Example
Handle inside of first glove with bare hands; outside of second glove with already-gloved hand.
Definition
Method where hands remain outside the gown cuffs; used for catheter insertion and dressing changes.
Term
Closed Gloving
Example
Gown applied first; gloves applied with cuffs covering gown cuffs.
Definition
Method where hands stay inside gown cuffs; used in operating room with sterile gown.
Diagrams To Know
- Open gloving step-by-step sequence
- Sterile gown donning sequence
Section Title
Patient Safety – Identification, Communication, Medication
Important Facts
- **NEVER use room number alone for patient identification.**
- **Use at least TWO identifiers:** name + birthdate, name + hospital number, or name + phone number.
- **WHO Surgical Safety Checklist** prevents wrong-site surgery; includes sign-in, time-out, sign-out phases.
- **Site marking** performed by surgeon; patient aware of mark.
- **High-alert medications** require double-checks (insulin, heparin, chemotherapy).
- **SBAR ensures clear, concise, organized handoff communication.**
Key Definitions
Term
Two-Identifier Verification
Example
Ask patient name and birthday before administering medication.
Definition
Verify patient identity with **at least two identifiers** (name and birthdate/hospital number); never room number alone.
Term
SBAR Communication
Example
Report to physician: 'This is Mr. Juan Lopez, admitted 2 days post-op. He has tachycardia (HR 110) and decreased urine output. I recommend IV fluid reassessment.'
Definition
Structured handoff communication: **S**ituation, **B**ackground, **A**ssessment, **R**ecommendation.
Term
Medication Rights
Example
Verify patient ID, check medication label 3 times, confirm dose with order.
Definition
The rights framework: right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, right route (right documentation, right reason, right response).
Diagrams To Know
- SBAR communication template
- WHO Surgical Safety Checklist phases
Common Values
Value
>45
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Morse Fall Scale high-risk score
Value
>20 mmHg
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Systolic BP drop for orthostatic hypotension
Value
>10 mmHg
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Diastolic BP drop for orthostatic hypotension
Section Title
Fall Prevention (HIGH-YIELD NLE TOPIC)
Important Facts
- **Falls are a LEADING CAUSE OF INJURY, especially in elderly.**
- **Assess fall risk on admission and with condition changes.**
- **Keep bed in LOWEST position with brakes LOCKED.**
- **Raise side rails per policy** (note: four raised side rails = restraint).
- **Keep call light, personal items, water, glasses WITHIN REACH.**
- **Ensure ADEQUATE LIGHTING, dry non-slip floors, clear pathways.**
- **Use FALL-RISK IDENTIFIER** (color-coded band, typically yellow or red).
- **Assist HIGH-RISK patients with ambulation and toileting.**
- **Non-slip footwear mandatory.**
- **Attend to ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION:** instruct patient to rise slowly, sit first then stand.
Key Definitions
Term
Fall Risk Assessment
Example
Score >45 on Morse Fall Scale = high risk; initiate precautions.
Definition
Systematic evaluation on admission and with condition changes using validated tools (Morse Fall Scale, Humpty Dumpty, etc.).
Term
Orthostatic Hypotension
Example
Patient dizziness when standing from bed; instruct to rise slowly.
Definition
Drop in BP (>20 mmHg systolic or >10 mmHg diastolic) upon rising; increases fall risk.
Diagrams To Know
- Fall risk assessment and intervention flowchart
- Environmental safety checklist
Section Title
Restraints (Use as Last Resort)
Important Facts
- **Restraints ONLY as LAST RESORT with physician's **TIME-LIMITED** order.**
- **Use LEAST-RESTRICTIVE type** (soft restraints preferred over hard).
- **Secure with QUICK-RELEASE KNOT** to **MOVABLE bed part** (not side rail or frame).
- **NEVER tie to side rails.**
- **Frequent monitoring required:** skin integrity, circulation, toileting, range of motion (q1h or per policy).
- **Document: reason, time applied, time removed, neurovascular status.**
- **FOUR RAISED SIDE RAILS = RESTRAINT** (requires physician order).
- **Check restraint tightness:** one-finger space between restraint and skin.
Key Definitions
Term
Restraint
Example
Wrist restraint for agitated, confused patient at risk of self-harm.
Definition
Any physical or chemical measure that restricts movement; requires **physician's time-limited order** and least-restrictive type.
Term
Four Raised Side Rails
Example
Three side rails OK; four = restraint.
Definition
All four side rails raised = considered a **RESTRAINT**, not a safety measure; requires physician order.
Diagrams To Know
- Proper restraint application and monitoring checklist
Common Values
Value
2/3 full maximum
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Sharps container capacity limit
Section Title
Environmental & Waste Safety
Important Facts
- **YELLOW BAGS:** infectious waste (blood, cultures, body fluids, sharps).
- **BLACK BAGS:** non-infectious waste (paper, non-contaminated plastics).
- **PUNCTURE-PROOF SHARPS CONTAINERS:** needles, blades, glass.
- **NEVER RECAP NEEDLES** (or use one-handed scoop technique if recapping unavoidable).
- **Dispose of sharps IMMEDIATELY at point of use.**
- **Needlestick protocol:** wash wound; report to occupational health; assess PEP need; baseline serology (HIV, HBV, HCV); follow-up testing at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months.
- **Sharps container placement:** away from edges, at waist level, never overfilled (2/3 capacity max).
Key Definitions
Term
Healthcare Waste Segregation (DOH Standard)
Example
Blood-soaked gauze → yellow bag; paper trash → black bag; used needle → puncture-proof sharps container.
Definition
Separation of waste by type: **yellow** (infectious), **black** (non-infectious), **red** (sharps).
Term
Needlestick Injury Management
Example
Exposure to blood during phlebotomy; initiate PEP if indicated.
Definition
Protocol: wash site, report immediately, post-exposure prophylaxis assessment, follow-up serology.
Diagrams To Know
- Waste segregation and disposal flowchart
Must Remember
- **Hand hygiene is the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE infection-control measure** — breaks the chain of infection at the transmission link. Use soap & water for C. difficile (spores); alcohol-based rub for routine.
- **Chain of Infection has 6 links:** agent → reservoir → portal of exit → transmission → portal of entry → susceptible host. Break ANY ONE to interrupt transmission.
- **Medical asepsis (clean) REDUCES number of microorganisms; surgical asepsis (sterile) ELIMINATES ALL microorganisms and spores** — only sterile touches sterile in sterile field.
- **1-inch (2.5 cm) OUTER BORDER of sterile field = CONTAMINATED; anything BELOW WAIST LEVEL = CONTAMINATED** — key rules for maintaining surgical asepsis.
- **MOISTURE WICKS MICROORGANISMS (strike-through)** — a wet sterile field is contaminated; do not reach across sterile field; if in doubt, it's contaminated.
- **Airborne precautions (MTV: Measles, TB, Varicella) require N95 respirator + negative-pressure room; droplet (influenza, pertussis) requires surgical mask only; contact (MRSA, C. difficile) requires gown & gloves.**
- **PPE donning:** gown → mask → goggles → gloves; **doffing:** gloves → goggles → gown → mask (remove mask LAST, outside room) — then perform hand hygiene.
- **Fall prevention:** bed in LOWEST position with BRAKES LOCKED; call light in reach; fall-risk identifier (color-coded band); adequate lighting; assist high-risk patients; attend to orthostatic hypotension (rise slowly).
- **Patient identification:** use **at least TWO identifiers** (name + birthdate/hospital number) — never room number alone. WHO Surgical Safety Checklist prevents wrong-site surgery.
- **CAUTI prevention:** insert only when indicated; aseptic technique; closed drainage system; **keep bag BELOW bladder level**; remove early. CLABSI: chlorhexidine prep, maximal barriers, daily review. VAP: head 30–45°, oral care, spontaneous breathing assessment. SSI: prophylactic antibiotics within 60 min, glucose control, sterile technique.
Last Minute Tips
- **Memorize the 1-inch border rule and waist-level rule for surgical asepsis** — these appear in almost every NLE exam question about sterile technique. Picture the field: center is sterile, 1-inch edges contaminated, everything below your waist is contaminated.
- **MTV = Measles, TB, Varicella for airborne precautions (N95 + negative-pressure room).** Droplet precautions use surgical mask only. Contact precautions use gown + gloves. You WILL see a question asking you to differentiate these.
- **Hand hygiene at 5 WHO Moments is HIGH-YIELD.** Practice reciting them: before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body-fluid exposure, after touching patient, after touching surroundings. If asked 'when should you perform hand hygiene?' the answer is often one of these five.
- **Fall prevention combines environmental safety (bed low, call light in reach, lighting, non-slip floors) + patient assessment (Morse Fall Scale) + interventions (assist ambulation, attend to orthostatic hypotension, fall-risk ID band).** Don't memorize just the assessment tool — you must know the FULL bundle.
- **Never recap needles and dispose immediately in sharps containers.** This is a safety principle tested on every NLE exam. Also remember: four side rails up = restraint (needs physician order); three side rails = OK.
Comparison Tables
Rows
Values
- Reduce number of microorganisms
- Eliminate ALL microorganisms and spores
Property
Goal
Values
- Routine patient care, basic hygiene
- Invasive procedures, surgery, sterile injections
Property
When Used
Values
- Clean gloves (single-use)
- Sterile gloves (open or closed method)
Property
Hand Protection
Values
- Regular handwashing sufficient
- Surgical scrub (3–5 minutes) for surgery
Property
Handwashing
Values
- 1-inch border not applicable
- 1-inch (2.5 cm) outer border = contaminated
Property
Borderline Rule
Values
- Moisture acceptable
- Moisture = STRIKE-THROUGH CONTAMINATION
Property
Moisture Impact
Values
- Not critical
- Below waist = contaminated
Property
Waist-Level Rule
Values
- Acceptable
- NEVER reach across sterile field
Property
Reaching Across
Values
- Assess risk
- If in doubt = CONTAMINATED (discard)
Property
Doubt Rule
Columns
- Aspect
- Medical Asepsis (Clean)
- Surgical Asepsis (Sterile)
Table Title
Medical Asepsis vs Surgical Asepsis – Key Differences
Rows
Values
- MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, scabies
- Direct/indirect contact with body/secretions
- Close contact
- Gown + gloves; single room preferred
- Standard room or cohort
- N/A
Property
Contact
Values
- Influenza, pertussis, mumps, N. meningitidis, rubella
- Large respiratory droplets
- ~1 meter (3 feet)
- Surgical mask; goggles if splashing risk
- Private room or spatial separation
- N/A
Property
Droplet
Values
- Pulmonary TB, measles, varicella
- Small airborne nuclei
- Long-distance, ventilation-dependent
- N95 respirator; eye protection
- Negative-pressure room (air handling essential)
- MTV (Measles, TB, Varicella)
Property
Airborne
Values
- Environmental organisms (immunocompromised host)
- Environmental (protects patient FROM environment)
- Ambient
- Clean mask, gown if likely soiling
- Positive-pressure room; no flowers/standing water
- N/A
Property
Protective/Reverse
Columns
- Precaution Type
- Microorganism Examples
- Transmission Mode
- Distance
- PPE Required
- Room Type
- Mnemonic
Table Title
Transmission-Based Precautions – At a Glance
Rows
Values
- Enters sterile tissue or vascular system
- Surgical instruments, catheters, implants, needles
- STERILIZATION (eliminates all microorganisms AND spores)
- Steam autoclave, ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma
Property
Critical
Values
- Contacts mucous membranes
- Endoscopes, laryngoscopes, respiratory equipment, thermometers
- HIGH-LEVEL DISINFECTION (eliminates all except some bacterial spores)
- Glutaraldehyde (2%), peracetic acid, boiling water (>10 min)
Property
Semi-Critical
Values
- Contacts intact skin only
- BP cuffs, stethoscopes, bedpans, commodes, furniture
- CLEANING + LOW-/INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL DISINFECTION
- Soap/water, alcohol-based wipes, quaternary ammonium compounds
Property
Non-Critical
Columns
- Risk Category
- Definition
- Examples
- Required Level
- Methods
Table Title
Spaulding Classification – Sterilization/Disinfection Requirements
Rows
Values
- Gown
- Gloves
- Remove most contaminated item first
Property
Step 1
Values
- Mask/Respirator
- Goggles/Face Shield
- Never touch contaminated exterior surfaces
Property
Step 2
Values
- Goggles/Face Shield
- Gown
- Remove gloves by rolling inside-out
Property
Step 3
Values
- Gloves
- Mask/Respirator (OUTSIDE ROOM)
- Perform hand hygiene after doffing
Property
Step 4
Columns
- Sequence
- DONNING (Putting On)
- DOFFING (Removing)
- Key Rule
Table Title
PPE Donning & Doffing Sequence – Critical Order
Rows
Values
- Prolonged catheterization, breaks in asepsis
- Insert only when indicated; aseptic insertion; closed system; bag below bladder level; remove early
- Review necessity daily; change bag if soiled; remove ASAP (usually within 48–72 hours)
Property
CAUTI (Catheter-Associated UTI)
Values
- Line insertion, dressing changes, breaks in asepsis
- Hand hygiene; maximal sterile barriers; chlorhexidine skin prep; daily line necessity review
- Review necessity daily; change dressing per protocol (typically q7d or when soiled)
Property
CLABSI (Central Line-Associated BSI)
Values
- Aspiration, biofilm in ventilator circuit
- Head of bed 30–45°; oral care; sedation vacation/spontaneous breathing assessment; DVT prophylaxis
- Head elevation continuous; oral care q4–6h; assess readiness to extubate daily
Property
VAP (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia)
Values
- Surgical trauma, poor asepsis, poor wound care
- Prophylactic antibiotics within 60 min; glucose control; sterile technique; skin antisepsis; adequate OR ventilation
- Antibiotics timed before incision; glucose q30–60min intraop; continue prophylaxis ≤24h post-op (48h for cardiac)
Property
SSI (Surgical Site Infection)
Columns
- HAI Type
- Risk Factor
- Prevention Bundle
- Critical Timing/Frequency
Table Title
HAI Prevention Bundles – Key Interventions
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