Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlHard
A medical assistant is setting up a sterile field for a minor surgical procedure. Which of the following actions would compromise the sterility of the field?
- AStanding with their back to the sterile field momentarily.
- BPlacing sterile instruments within the center of the field.
- CTouching the outer 1-inch border of the sterile drape.
- DKeeping sterile items above waist level.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Standing with their back to the sterile field momentarily.
Once a sterile field is established, a medical assistant should never turn their back to it. Doing so can lead to inadvertent contamination, as they cannot monitor the field for breaches in sterility. The back of a person is considered non-sterile.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Placing sterile instruments in the center is appropriate for maintaining sterility.
- C. The outer 1-inch border of a sterile field is considered non-sterile.
- D. Keeping sterile items above waist level is a correct practice to maintain sterility.
Maintaining Sterile Field Integrity
Practices and rules to ensure a sterile field remains free from contamination during a procedure.
- Never turn your back on a sterile field.
- Keep sterile items above waist/table level.
- Outer 1-inch border is non-sterile.
Memory trick: Face Forward, Stay High, 1-Inch Border!