To maintain a sterile field, it is best to do which of the following?

Maintaining a sterile field is crucial in medical and surgical settings to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. Choosing to avoid clutter is important because a clean and organized area helps reduce the risk of contaminating sterile items. When the workspace is free of unnecessary items, it decreases the likelihood of accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces.

Avoiding rearranging items is equally critical since once items are placed in a sterile field, they are considered sterile. Touching or moving items can introduce pathogens from the hands or surroundings, compromising their sterility. This principle reinforces the importance of establishing an organized layout from the beginning.

Keeping supplies within reach further supports the integrity of the sterile field. When items required for a procedure are easily accessible without the need to search or reach across the field, it minimizes disruption and the risk of contamination. This practice enhances efficiency and maintains focus on the sterile environment.

All these practices combined ensure that the sterile field remains uncontaminated and that procedures can proceed safely and effectively, making the comprehensive approach the best choice for maintaining sterility.