The perioperative nurse is preparing to open a sterile instrument pack before a procedure. While carrying the closed pack over to the table, they accidentally drop it on the floor. What is their next action in order to maintain asepsis for the procedure?
A)Discard the closed pack; it is contaminated.
B)Pick it up and set it aside in case some of the instruments can still be used.
C)Return the pack to the storage area and retrieve another one.
D)Pick it up, open it, and use it anyway.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If a nurse drops a closed instrument pack on the floor, they can pick it, open it, and use it anyway. A closed instrument pack can still be used and will not become contaminated unless it becomes wet or the packaging opens. The nurse should inspect the instruments to ensure they are not damaged and still dry. They should not return the pack to storage with unused packs.

The Perioperative Nurse Is Preparing to Open a Sterile Instrument