Final answer:
The guidelines for creating and maintaining a sterile field include using sterile drapes, inspecting drapes for integrity, keeping drapes in place, and handling drapes with care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creating and maintaining a sterile field involves several guidelines:
- Use only sterile drapes: Sterile drapes are important to create a barrier and prevent contamination.
- Inspect all drapes for integrity: Before use, check for any tears or openings in the drapes to ensure their effectiveness.
- Keep drapes in place: Once the field is set up, it is important to keep the drapes in place to maintain its sterility.
- Handle drapes as little as possible: Avoid flipping, fanning, or shaking the drapes to minimize the risk of introducing contaminants.