In a presentation on preventing surgical site infections, which practice is NOT recommended according to AORN guidelines?

The practice of using soap and water to perform surgical skin prep is not recommended according to AORN guidelines because it may not provide the same level of antimicrobial effectiveness as antiseptic solutions. AORN guidelines emphasize the importance of using antiseptic solutions, such as chlorhexidine, to reduce the microbial load on the skin before surgery effectively. These solutions offer a broader spectrum of antimicrobial action and longer-lasting effects compared to soap and water.

In surgical site preparation, the goal is to minimize the risk of surgical site infections, and using the appropriate antiseptic agents has been shown to significantly decrease this risk. Therefore, relying on soap and water can compromise patient safety and increase the chances of postoperative infections.