Final answer:
The charge nurse should identify actions such as touching the sterile field with unsterilized hands or materials, reaching over the field, or allowing unsterilized objects to come in contact with it, as contaminating a sterile field. Proper aseptic technique must be maintained to prevent sepsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action that the charge nurse should identify as contaminating the sterile field when a newly licensed nurse is preparing for a medical procedure could be a number of things. However, some common examples include the nurse touching the sterile field with unsterilized hands or materials, reaching over the field thus risking the fall of contaminants onto it, or allowing unsterilized objects to come in contact with the field.
Aseptic technique is crucial in maintaining a sterile field to prevent sepsis and other complications. Personnel should always be mindful to avoid any actions that would compromise sterility, such as those described above. Sterilization, such as with an autoclave, and proper handling of all materials and contaminated waste are part of this protocol.