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A nurse is preparing a sterile field to perform a sterile dressing change. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to maintain surgical aseptic technique?

a) Touching the sterile field with clean gloves

b) Turning the back to the sterile field while reaching for supplies

c) Placing the sterile field on a non-flat surface

d) Allowing the sterile field to face away from the nurse during the procedure

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct intervention to maintain a surgical aseptic technique during a sterile dressing change involves avoiding any contact between the sterile area and non-sterile objects. None of the options provided are correct as they all could result in contamination of the sterile field.

Step-by-step explanation:

To maintain surgical aseptic technique while preparing a sterile field for a dressing change, several key interventions should be observed. These include avoiding any contact between the sterile field and non-sterile objects or surfaces. The correct intervention to maintain surgical aseptic technique is none of the provided options, as touching the sterile field with clean gloves can contaminate it (a), turning the back to the sterile field may allow for contamination as you cannot monitor the field (b), placing the sterile field on a non-flat surface could compromise its integrity (c), and allowing the sterile field to face away from the nurse could expose it to environmental contaminants (d).

Handwashing is a fundamental component of maintaining asepsis and should be thoroughly performed prior to setting up the sterile field. The use of properly sterilized materials and adherence to strict protocols are crucial to avoid the introduction of potential pathogens. Any object or surface that could disrupt the sterile environment must be regarded with a high level of scrutiny to prevent contamination and subsequent risks of infection, such as sepsis. The Association of Surgical Technologists provides standards for aseptic techniques, including the creation and maintenance of a sterile field.

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