A break in the sterile field occurs when the nurse does which of the following? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Spilling sterile saline onto the sterile field introduces potential contaminants, as the liquid may carry microbes from surrounding areas, compromising sterility. This breaks the sterile field, making it correct. Choice B reason: Dropping a sterile capped needle onto the sterile field does not introduce contaminants, as the needle remains sterile. The field remains intact, making this an incorrect choice for a break. Choice C reason: Keeping the table above waist level maintains sterility, as areas below the waist are considered contaminated. This is a correct practice, not a break, making it incorrect. Choice D reason: Lowering a gloved hand below the waist exposes it to non-sterile areas, contaminating the glove. This compromises the sterile field when the hand returns, making it a correct choice. Choice E reason: The drape’s 1-inch border is considered non-sterile. A culture swab touching it becomes contaminated, breaking the sterile field when reintroduced, making this a correct choice.