NURSING PERFORMANCE IN CONTROLLING BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION AND INFECTION IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Abstract

Introduction: Bacteria are major contributors to surgical site infections, representing one of the main challenges in hospital environments. Despite various advancements in medicine, these infections remain a significant concern for patient health. Nursing plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling infections in surgical procedures through its focus on health education, providing essential knowledge about the importance of proper sterilization of surgical instruments and adequate patient preparation. This includes administering prophylactic antibiotics, as well as offering guidance on hand hygiene and maintaining a sterile surgical environment. Nurses also play a vital role in ensuring patient safety during all phases of surgery. Objective: To understand the role of nursing in controlling bacterial infections in surgical procedures through a literature review. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review guided by the following question: What is the role of nursing in preventing and controlling bacterial infections in surgeries? A search was conducted in the SCIELO, BVS, and PUBMED databases using descriptors registered in DeCS. Inclusion criteria for selecting scientific articles were: national publications in Portuguese, published between 2019 and 2024, complete, and freely accessible. Excluded were duplicate articles, theses, monographs, and articles unrelated to the study’s theme. Results and discussion: Bacterial infections in surgeries result from the uncontrolled proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, which, depending on the bacterial load, can pose various health risks to affected individuals, especially hospitalized patients undergoing surgical procedures. Diagnosis primarily involves monitoring symptoms and conducting laboratory tests to identify the genus and species of the microorganism. Nursing attention is essential, as these professionals provide critical care to prevent and combat these infections, thereby reducing cases of bacterial infections and positively impacting the patient’s recovery process. Conclusion: Therefore, nursing care and actions are highly relevant for controlling and reducing bacterial infections and complications in surgical procedures, highlighting the importance of preventive practices developed by nursing professionals.