Healthcare-Acquired Infections: Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

Definition/Etiology:

• SSI- infection to the surgical site

Pathophysiology:

• Opening in skin = access

Noticing: Assessment & Recognizing Cues:

• Prevention
  • Clean site prior to surgery
  • Cleanse site (per policy/provider)
• Assessment
  • Increased temp
  • Surgical site red 
  • Painful
  • Swollen
  • Drainage from the surgical site

Interpreting: Analyzing & Planning:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Basic/Complete Metabolic Panel (BMP)
• Find/confirm the source of infection
  • Culture fluid (surgical site)

Responding: Patient Interventions & Taking Action:

• Antibiotics
• IV fluids
• Prevent sepsis!

Reflecting: Evaluating Patient Outcomes:

• Patient improvement:
  • S/S decline
  • Decreased temp
• Continued treatment:
  • Abx

Linchpins (Key Points):

• An infection is an infection. How do we prevent it?
• Infection: inflammatory response
• SSI-specific: Surgical site is affected (s/s)
• Prevent: Prevent SSI
• Treat: Treat with abx; prevent sepsis