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.
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
Chain of Infection
Example
Hand hygiene breaks the transmission link in the chain.
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)
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
Incubation
Example
COVID-19 incubation is typically 2–14 days.
Time from exposure to first symptoms; patient is usually asymptomatic but may be contagious.
Prodromal
Example
Mild sore throat before full influenza develops.
Early, vague, nonspecific symptoms (fatigue, malaise); highly communicable period.
Illness (Acute)
Example
High fever, severe cough in pneumonia.
Specific signs and symptoms peak; patient is most symptomatic and typically most contagious.
Convalescence
Example
Patient improving, returning to normal activity.
Recovery phase; symptoms resolve and immunity builds.
Diagrams to know
- Infection timeline: Incubation → Prodromal → Acute Illness → Convalescence
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
Nonspecific (Innate) Immunity
Example
Intact skin, stomach acid, cilia in lungs.
First-line defenses present from birth; do not target specific pathogens.
Specific (Adaptive) Immunity
Example
Antibodies against measles after vaccination or infection.
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
Medical vs Surgical Asepsis (CRITICAL NLE TOPIC)
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
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
Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique)
Example
Handwashing, clean gloves, patient hygiene, routine wound care.
Reduces number of microorganisms; prevents spread; used for routine care.
Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique)
Example
Catheterization, surgery, sterile dressing changes, lumbar puncture, injections into sterile sites.
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
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
Critical Items
Example
Surgical instruments, catheters, implants.
Enter sterile tissue or vascular system; require STERILIZATION.
Semi-Critical Items
Example
Endoscopes, respiratory equipment, laryngoscopes.
Contact mucous membranes; require HIGH-LEVEL DISINFECTION.
Non-Critical Items
Example
BP cuffs, bedpans, stethoscopes, commodes.
Contact intact skin; require CLEANING and LOW-/INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL DISINFECTION.
Diagrams to know
- Spaulding classification pyramid: risk level and reprocessing method
Hand Hygiene (HIGHEST-YIELD NLE TOPIC)
Common values
Value
~20 seconds
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Recommended hand hygiene duration
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
WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene
Example
Before touching patient, before aseptic procedure, after body-fluid exposure, after touching patient, after touching patient surroundings.
Critical times when hand hygiene MUST be performed to prevent transmission.
Diagrams to know
- WHO 5 Moments timeline during patient care
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
Donning
Example
Gown → mask → goggles → gloves.
Putting on PPE in correct sequence to prevent self-contamination.
Doffing
Example
Gloves → goggles → gown → mask (remove mask last, outside room).
Removing PPE in correct sequence, removing most contaminated items first.
Diagrams to know
- PPE donning sequence flowchart
- PPE doffing sequence flowchart
Standard & Transmission-Based Precautions (MTV MNEMONIC)
Common values
Value
~1 meter (3 feet)
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Droplet transmission distance
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
Standard Precautions
Example
Hand hygiene, PPE as needed, safe injection, respiratory hygiene.
Apply to ALL patients regardless of diagnosis; assume all blood, body fluids, secretions, and non-intact skin are infectious.
Contact Precautions
Example
Patient with MRSA skin colonization.
For direct/indirect contact transmission (MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, scabies); use gown and gloves.
Droplet Precautions
Example
Patient with confirmed influenza.
For large respiratory droplets (~1 meter): influenza, pertussis, mumps, N. meningitidis, rubella; wear surgical mask.
Airborne Precautions
Example
Patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis.
For small airborne nuclei (long-distance): pulmonary TB, measles, varicella; use N95 respirator and negative-pressure room.
Protective (Reverse) Isolation
Example
Bone marrow transplant patient in hematologic malignancy.
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
Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention Bundles
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
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
CAUTI Prevention Bundle
Example
Keep drainage bag below bladder level; use aseptic technique on insertion.
Catheter-associated UTI prevention via indication review, aseptic insertion, closed drainage, and early removal.
CLABSI Prevention Bundle
Example
Chlorhexidine skin prep before central line insertion.
Central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention via hand hygiene, maximal barriers, and antisepsis.
VAP Prevention Bundle
Example
Elevate head of bed 30–45°; perform oral care q4–6h.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention via head elevation, oral care, and spontaneous breathing assessments.
SSI Prevention Bundle
Example
Administer prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes of surgery.
Surgical site infection prevention via perioperative antibiotics, glucose control, sterile technique, and skin antisepsis.
Diagrams to know
- HAI bundle checklist timeline (insertion → maintenance → removal)
Sterile Gloving & Gowning
Common values
Value
~2.5 cm
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Glove-cuff overlap with gown
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
Open (Closed Hand) Gloving
Example
Handle inside of first glove with bare hands; outside of second glove with already-gloved hand.
Method where hands remain outside the gown cuffs; used for catheter insertion and dressing changes.
Closed Gloving
Example
Gown applied first; gloves applied with cuffs covering gown cuffs.
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
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
Two-Identifier Verification
Example
Ask patient name and birthday before administering medication.
Verify patient identity with at least two identifiers (name and birthdate/hospital number); never room number alone.
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.'
Structured handoff communication: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
Medication Rights
Example
Verify patient ID, check medication label 3 times, confirm dose with order.
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
Fall Prevention (HIGH-YIELD NLE TOPIC)
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
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
Fall Risk Assessment
Example
Score >45 on Morse Fall Scale = high risk; initiate precautions.
Systematic evaluation on admission and with condition changes using validated tools (Morse Fall Scale, Humpty Dumpty, etc.).
Orthostatic Hypotension
Example
Patient dizziness when standing from bed; instruct to rise slowly.
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
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
Restraint
Example
Wrist restraint for agitated, confused patient at risk of self-harm.
Any physical or chemical measure that restricts movement; requires physician's time-limited order and least-restrictive type.
Four Raised Side Rails
Example
Three side rails OK; four = restraint.
All four side rails raised = considered a RESTRAINT, not a safety measure; requires physician order.
Diagrams to know
- Proper restraint application and monitoring checklist
Environmental & Waste Safety
Common values
Value
2/3 full maximum
Symbol
N/A
Quantity
Sharps container capacity limit
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
Healthcare Waste Segregation (DOH Standard)
Example
Blood-soaked gauze → yellow bag; paper trash → black bag; used needle → puncture-proof sharps container.
Separation of waste by type: yellow (infectious), black (non-infectious), red (sharps).
Needlestick Injury Management
Example
Exposure to blood during phlebotomy; initiate PEP if indicated.
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
Medical Asepsis vs Surgical Asepsis – Key Differences
| Aspect | Medical Asepsis (Clean) | Surgical Asepsis (Sterile) |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Reduce number of microorganisms | Eliminate ALL microorganisms and spores |
| When Used | Routine patient care, basic hygiene | Invasive procedures, surgery, sterile injections |
| Hand Protection | Clean gloves (single-use) | Sterile gloves (open or closed method) |
| Handwashing | Regular handwashing sufficient | Surgical scrub (3–5 minutes) for surgery |
| Borderline Rule | 1-inch border not applicable | 1-inch (2.5 cm) outer border = contaminated |
| Moisture Impact | Moisture acceptable | Moisture = STRIKE-THROUGH CONTAMINATION |
| Waist-Level Rule | Not critical | Below waist = contaminated |
| Reaching Across | Acceptable | NEVER reach across sterile field |
| Doubt Rule | Assess risk | If in doubt = CONTAMINATED (discard) |
Transmission-Based Precautions – At a Glance
| Precaution Type | Microorganism Examples | Transmission Mode | Distance | PPE Required | Room Type | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, scabies | Direct/indirect contact with body/secretions | Close contact | Gown + gloves; single room preferred | Standard room or cohort | N/A |
| Droplet | 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 |
| Airborne | 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) |
| Protective/Reverse | 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 |
Spaulding Classification – Sterilization/Disinfection Requirements
| Risk Category | Definition | Examples | Required Level | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical | 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 |
| Semi-Critical | 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) |
| Non-Critical | Contacts intact skin only | BP cuffs, stethoscopes, bedpans, commodes, furniture | CLEANING + LOW-/INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL DISINFECTION | Soap/water, alcohol-based wipes, quaternary ammonium compounds |
PPE Donning & Doffing Sequence – Critical Order
| Sequence | DONNING (Putting On) | DOFFING (Removing) | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Gown | Gloves | Remove most contaminated item first |
| Step 2 | Mask/Respirator | Goggles/Face Shield | Never touch contaminated exterior surfaces |
| Step 3 | Goggles/Face Shield | Gown | Remove gloves by rolling inside-out |
| Step 4 | Gloves | Mask/Respirator (OUTSIDE ROOM) | Perform hand hygiene after doffing |
HAI Prevention Bundles – Key Interventions
| HAI Type | Risk Factor | Prevention Bundle | Critical Timing/Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAUTI (Catheter-Associated UTI) | 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) |
| CLABSI (Central Line-Associated BSI) | 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) |
| VAP (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia) | 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 |
| SSI (Surgical Site Infection) | 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) |
Diagrams
Chain of Infection & Intervention Points
Six links of infection chain with intervention points. Breaking ANY ONE link stops transmission. Hand hygiene and isolation precautions are the most effective interventions.
Surgical Asepsis Key Rules Decision Tree
Decision tree for determining if a sterile field or item remains sterile. Any 'YES' to contamination questions = field is contaminated. Key rule: 'If in doubt, consider it contaminated.'
PPE Donning & Doffing Sequence
Critical sequence for donning and doffing PPE. Donning order ensures clean items contact skin first. Doffing removes most contaminated items first; mask removed last, outside the room. Always perform hand hygiene after doffing.
Isolation Precautions Decision Algorithm
Algorithm to determine which precautions are needed based on patient diagnosis or transmission risk. Standard precautions apply to ALL patients; transmission-based precautions are ADDED when indicated.
Fall Risk Assessment & Prevention Bundle
Comprehensive fall prevention workflow from admission assessment through implementation of prevention bundle. Includes environmental, patient, and mobility factors.
Asepsis, Infection Control & Patient Safety – Concept Map
Complete concept map showing how all major topics in asepsis and infection control relate to each other. Central concept is asepsis; branching into chain of infection, control methods, and patient safety.
Stages of Infection Timeline
Timeline showing the four stages of infection from exposure through recovery. Notes highlight key characteristics of each stage (contagiousness, symptoms, duration).