What action should a medical assistant take to prevent contamination when performing surgical asepsis?

• A. Place all sterile items on the edge of the sterile field.
• B. Place all sterile items in the center of the sterile field.
• C. Cover the sterile field with a nonsterile cloth.
• D. Leave sterile items uncovered until use.

Answer: (B)

Placing all sterile items in the center of the sterile field is the correct action to take to prevent contamination when performing surgical asepsis. The reason this practice is considered essential is that the center of the sterile field is the most sterile area, while the edges may be more susceptible to contamination from nonsterile surfaces or air.

By positioning items in the middle, you minimize the risk of accidental contamination from the environment or from personnel moving around the sterile field. This approach helps ensure that any item that will be used in a sterile procedure has not been compromised.

The other options involve practices that could lead to contamination. For example, placing items on the edge could expose them to airborne contaminants or inadvertent contact with nonsterile surfaces. Covering a sterile field with a nonsterile cloth would certainly compromise the sterility, and leaving sterile items uncovered increases the risk of contaminants settling on them. Thus, the emphasis on proper placement in the center of the sterile field is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment.