Final answer:
Set up a sterile field, a medical assistant should use transfer forceps (option e), which are designed to handle sterile materials without contamination. Following strict sterile technique protocols is essential to prevent patient infection and ensure successful medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When practicing sterile technique, the medical assistant should use transfer forceps to set up a sterile field. Transfer forceps, often referred to as sterile forceps, are specifically designed to handle materials within a sterile environment without contaminating the field. Maintaining a aseptic work environment is critical in medical settings to prevent the introduction of potentially harmful microbes to patients. These forceps are used to transfer sterile items, such as dressings or small equipment, while ensuring that sterility is maintained.
In addition to transfer forceps, other tools and protocols, including the use of pre-sterilized equipment, are essential for successful aseptic technique. For instance, items like pre-sterilized pipettes and culture tubes must be handled carefully, and protocols such as flaming the openings of tubes before and after transferring substances help to minimize contamination risks.
It's crucial to follow the standards published by relevant professional organizations, like the Association of Surgical Technologists, for creating and maintaining sterile fields during medical procedures. This involves a combination of using sterilized materials and following strict protocols to prevent microbial contamination and reduce the risk of sepsis in patients.