Final answer:
Nurses use surgical asepsis in clinical situations that involve penetrating sterile tissues or the bloodstream, such as surgeries and catheter insertions, to prevent contaminations that might lead to nosocomial or iatrogenic diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses use surgical asepsis in various clinical situations to prevent the transmission of pathogens and reduce the risk of postoperative infections, which are also known as nosocomial infections. Surgical asepsis is critical during procedures that involve penetrating sterile tissues or the bloodstream, where any introduction of microbes could lead to serious complications, including sepsis. Examples of procedures that require surgical asepsis are the insertion of catheters, surgical operations, and the handling of critical items like surgical instruments and intravenous fluids that must be kept sterile.
Historically, Joseph Lister's use of handwashing and carbolic acid (phenol) antiseptic during surgery significantly reduced the incidence of postsurgical infections, highlighting the importance of strict aseptic technique. Aseptic technique involves protocols for washing, sterilization of materials, and maintaining a sterile field throughout the procedure. This is essential for surgeries and other invasive procedures, as failure to maintain aseptic conditions could lead to iatrogenic diseases due to contamination. In a hospital setting, staff must follow stringent protocols for hand hygiene and disinfection, especially when treating patients with weakened immune systems or drug-resistant infections.
Overall, keeping a sterile field and using proper surgical attire, along with thorough scrubbing and the use of sterilants, are integral parts of surgical asepsis that nurses must adhere to protect patients during clinical procedures.