A nurse is setting up a sterile field prior to changing a client’s dressing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Place a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level.
B.
Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body.
C.
Turn their back to the sterile field when coughing during the procedure.
D.
Hold a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Place a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level.
Explanation:
Maintaining sterility is crucial in preventing infection during dressing changes. Each action in setting up a sterile field follows specific principles designed to avoid contamination.
Option A: Place a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level.
This is the correct action. The sterile kit must be placed on a clean, dry surface that is above waist level to maintain sterility. Anything below waist level is considered non-sterile, and placing a sterile kit lower than this height would risk contamination.
Option B: Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body.
This is incorrect. When opening a sterile kit, the nurse should always open the outermost flap away from their body. Opening the flap toward the body can result in contamination, as the nurse’s hands or clothing might touch the sterile surface. The nurse should ensure that they work from the farthest flap to the nearest, allowing for a smooth setup.
Option C: Turn their back to the sterile field when coughing during the procedure.
This is incorrect. A nurse should never turn their back on a sterile field because they must continuously observe it to ensure that no contamination occurs. Instead, the nurse should step away from the sterile field if they need to cough or perform any action that could compromise sterility.
Option D: Hold a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field.
This is incorrect. The gauze should be held no more than 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) above the sterile field when dropping it. Holding the gauze too high increases the risk of contamination as the sterile object passes through a larger amount of air, which can contain microorganisms.
By adhering to these principles, the nurse can maintain the integrity of the sterile field and reduce the risk of infection during the procedure.