Question

what should someone placing a sterile item onto a sterile field take particular care to do? (select all that apply)
only touch the opening flaps of the package, not the contents
open and drop the item from ~6 inches above the field
take control of heavier items by keeping their weight balanced on your forearm while opening
using gloved hands, gently remove the sterile item from its package and place on field
ensure the package is opened from no more than 2 inches from the field

Explanation:

To determine the correct answers, we analyze each option based on sterile technique principles:

1. "Only touch the opening flaps of the package, not the contents": This is correct. The flaps are non - sterile (or considered safe to touch without contaminating the sterile item), while the contents are sterile and must not be touched by non - sterile hands or areas.
2. "Open and drop the item from ~6 inches above the field": Correct. Dropping from a short distance (around 6 inches) helps maintain sterility as the item doesn't come into contact with non - sterile surfaces or air currents that could carry contaminants from a greater height.
3. "Take control of heavier items by keeping their weight balanced on your forearm while opening": Incorrect. This would contaminate the item or the sterile field as the forearm is not a sterile area.
4. "Using gloved hands, gently remove the sterile item from its package and place on field": Correct. Gloved hands (if the gloves are sterile) can be used to handle the sterile item and place it on the sterile field.
5. "Ensure the package is opened from no more than 2 inches from the field": Incorrect. Opening too close can contaminate the field with non - sterile air or particles from the person opening the package.

Answer:

• Only touch the opening flaps of the package, not the contents
• Open and drop the item from ~6 inches above the field
• Using gloved hands, gently remove the sterile item from its package and place on field