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Common Breaks in Sterile Technique: Clinical Perspectives and Perioperative Implications
Author(s) -
Hopper William R.,
Moss Rose
Publication year - 2010
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 - 10.1016/j.aorn.2009.09.027
Subject(s) - perioperative , perioperative nursing , intensive care medicine , medicine , health care , surgical procedures , surgical site infection , medical emergency , nursing , surgery , political science , law
Prevention of health care‐associated infections, specifically surgical site infections, is a fundamental responsibility of the perioperative team. Breaks in sterile technique can and do occur, even for the most conscientious perioperative practitioners. Surgical site infections are associated with unnecessary patient pain and suffering and increased lengths of hospital stay and health care costs. Prevention of surgical site infections, therefore, takes on great significance in today's dynamic health care environment. Key responsibilities of perioperative nurses are to recognize and correct common breaks in sterile technique that are made in preparation for and during a surgical procedure and to implement methods to prevent future occurrences.