A nurse is preparing to set up a sterile field. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Place the sterile field at the level of the nurse’s hips.
B.
Pour liquids into containers outside the sterile field.
C.
Hold bottles of sterile solution with the label in the palm of the hand.
D.
Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward the body.
Answer: C. Hold bottles of sterile solution with the label in the palm of the hand.
Explanation:
- C. Hold bottles of sterile solution with the label in the palm of the hand: This action prevents liquid from dripping onto the label, keeping it legible and ensuring that the label stays dry, which is crucial for identifying the solution.
- A. Place the sterile field at the level of the nurse’s hips: The sterile field should be at or above waist level to maintain sterility. Anything below waist level is considered contaminated.
- B. Pour liquids into containers outside the sterile field: While pouring liquids, they should be poured into containers within the sterile field without splashing to maintain the sterility of the field.
- D. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward the body: The outermost flap should be opened away from the body to avoid contamination by reaching over the sterile field.