Break the Chain
This is the first link in the chain of infection.
What is an infectious agent?
Once sterile, this area extends 1 inch from the edge of the sterile field and is considered contaminated.
What is the border of the sterile field?
Normal adult urine output per day is approximately this amount.
What is about 1500 mL (range 1000-2000 mL)?
This oral mediation route allows absorption directly under the tongue.
What is sublingual?
This injection route is placed into fatty tissue.
What is subcutaneous?
This link is the place where organisms grow and multiply.
What is a reservoir?
If a sterile object falls below waist level, it is considered this.
What is contaminated?
Urine output less than 30 mL/hr is called this.
What is oliguria?
These medications should NOT be crushed because they alter drug release.
What are enteric-coated or extended-release medications?
This injection angle is used for intramuscular injections in adults.
What is 90 degrees?
These precautions are used for all patients regardless of diagnosis.
What are standard precautions?
This action is required if you suspect contamination of your sterile gloves.
What is remove and replace them?
This urine specimen reduces contamination and requires cleaning before collection.
What is a clean-catch midstream specimen?
When giving meds via enteral tube, you must do this before and after each medication.
What is flush the tube?
This needle size (gauge) is commonly used for IM injections in adults.
What is 20-25 gauge?
This defense includes skin, mucous membranes, and normal flora.
What are primary defenses?
This method of sterilization uses pressurized steam.
What is autoclaving?
This condition occurs when urine leaks with coughing or sneezing.
What is stress incontinence?
This transdermal medication safety step prevents overdose.
What is remove the old patch before applying a new one?
This safety action prevents needlestick injuries and is preferred over recapping.
What is activate the safety device immediately?
This type of infection is acquired while receiving healthcare.
What is healthcare-associated infection?
This principle states that sterile touches only sterile.
What is sterile technique?
This lab value reflects kidney filtration function and is more sensitive than BUN.
What is creatinine?
These are the six essential rights of medication administration.
What are right patient, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation?
This Z-track technique prevents this complication.
What is medication leakage into subcutaneous tissue?