Moderate

During a sterile dressing procedure, the nurse notices that a sterile drape has fallen below waist level. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: D. Discard the drape and replace it

  • A. Return the drape to the sterile field
  • B. Use the drape if its centre looks clean
  • C. Cover the drape with another sterile item
  • D. Discard the drape and replace it

Explanation

Any sterile item that falls below waist level is considered contaminated because it is outside the nurse's direct view and control. It must be discarded and replaced rather than returned to or covered on the sterile field.

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About Infection Prevention and Asepsis

Asepsis covers the chain of infection, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, standard and transmission-based precautions, sterilisation, disinfection and safe waste disposal. The key distinction is between medical asepsis, which reduces microorganisms, and surgical asepsis, which maintains a sterile field during invasive procedures.

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