If a sterile field becomes contaminated, what is the appropriate action?

• A. If the sterile field becomes contaminated, continue as planned.
• B. Contaminate only non-sterile items.
• C. If a sterile field becomes contaminated, discard it and start over with a new sterile setup.
• D. Wipe the contaminated area and reuse the same field.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a sterile field requires strict asepsis; once any part becomes contaminated, the field is no longer sterile and cannot be trusted to stay free of pathogens. The correct action is to discard the contaminated field and establish a new sterile setup. Continuing as planned keeps the breach in place and risks introducing infection. Attempting to contaminate only non-sterile items or wiping and reusing the field do not restore sterility and can still spread harmful organisms. Starting over with a fresh sterile setup and reestablishing all barriers ensures the procedure can proceed safely.