The nurse is setting up a sterile field. Which action by the nurse bes

The nurse is setting up a sterile field. Which action by the nurse best exhibits surgical asepsis?

1. Disinfecting an item before adding it to a sterile field
2. Allowing sterile gloved hands to fall below the waist
3. Suctioning the oral cavity of an unconscious client
4. Touching only the inside surface of the first glove while pulling it onto the hand

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Disinfecting an item is an example of medical asepsis, not surgical asepsis.
Rationale 2: If sterile gloved hands fall below the waist, they are considered to be unsterile.
Rationale 3: Suctioning the oral cavity of a client is considered contaminating.
Rationale 4: Touching only the inside surface of the first glove while pulling it onto the hand is the correct technique when applying sterile gloves. This prevents contamination of the outside of the glove, which must remain sterile.