The following statement is true: Never reach over a sterile field.

The following statement is true: Never reach over a sterile field.

• A. Sometimes
• B. True
• C. Never
• D. False

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a sterile field means keeping the area free from any contaminants. Reaching over the sterile field introduces a real risk of contaminating it, since hands, arms, or nonsterile items can brush against or drop into the sterile area and spread germs. Because of that risk, the correct practice is to never reach over the sterile field; work from the sides and use sterile instruments or a second trained person to pass items across without your hands crossing over the field. This absolute precaution is why the statement is true.

Maintaining a sterile field means keeping the area free from any contaminants. Reaching over the sterile field introduces a real risk of contaminating it, since hands, arms, or nonsterile items can brush against or drop into the sterile area and spread germs. Because of that risk, the correct practice is to never reach over the sterile field; work from the sides and use sterile instruments or a second trained person to pass items across without your hands crossing over the field. This absolute precaution is why the statement is true.