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Guideline Implementation: Transmission‐Based Precautions
Author(s) -
Link Terri
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1002/aorn.12867
Subject(s) - personal protective equipment , standard precautions , guideline , infection control , medicine , universal precautions , transmission (telecommunications) , perioperative , hygiene , intensive care medicine , medical emergency , psychological intervention , nursing , covid-19 , surgery , pathology , immunology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , computer science , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , telecommunications , disease
Transmission of an infectious agent requires a source of infection, a mode of transmission, and a vulnerable host. The most important interventions for preventing infection transmission are hand hygiene and use of standard precautions for all patients. Other precautions are based on how an organism is transmitted; these include contact, airborne, and droplet precautions. The cornerstone of transmission‐based precautions is appropriate use of personal protective equipment to protect personnel and patients from infection. This article discusses key takeaways from the “AORN guideline for transmission‐based precautions,” including using standard precautions; wearing personal protective equipment when exposure to blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials is anticipated; and using contact precautions during care of patients known or suspected to be infected or colonized with pathogens transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.