Question

If a sterile package wrapped in pervious woven

material drops to the OR floor, the surgical
technologist should:
• A. Break the integrity of the package and discard the
item
• B. Leave it on the floor until the procedure is completed
• C. Examine the package for tears and open onto back
table
• D. Check the integrity of the package and place back
in case cart

Answer 1

The correct action for a surgical technologist when a sterile package drops to the OR floor is to break the integrity of the package and discard the item to maintain a sterile field and adhere to aseptic technique protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a sterile package wrapped in pervious woven material drops to the OR floor, the surgical technologist should break the integrity of the package and discard the item (Option A). This is because once the package touches the floor, there is a potential for contamination, and maintaining a sterile field is essential to prevent sepsis. The floor of an operating room is not considered a sterile surface, and any item that comes into contact with it should be treated as compromised. Furthermore, using the item could carry the risk of infecting the patient which goes against aseptic technique protocols that safeguard patient health by preventing exposure to infectious agents.