Final answer:
Wet pack can occur if packages remain moist after a steam sterilization cycle, likely due to inadequate drying. It's assumed that steam condenses and does not affect sterilization outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Wet pack phenomenon can occur if packages are moist at the end of the steam cycle. It is important to understand that during sterilization, assumptions are made that any steam produced condenses into liquid water during the process of equilibration. Furthermore, it is assumed that the evaporation and condensation don't affect the outcome of the sterilization process.
However, if moisture remains after the steam cycle, it can lead to the problematic wet pack phenomenon. This can happen when there is inadequate drying, which is a critical final step in steam sterilization.