A nurse is planning to perform a sterile dressing change for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Position the wrapped package on the bedside table so the outer flap opens towards her: The outer flap should always open away from the nurse to avoid reaching over the sterile field, which can contaminate it. Opening toward oneself increases the risk of contamination. B. Place sterile supplies within the 2.54 cm (1 in) border of the sterile field: The 1-inch border around the sterile field is considered contaminated. Placing sterile items within this area makes them unsterile and unsuitable for use in the procedure. C. Use sterile forceps to move the sterile items on the sterile field: Once an item is placed on the sterile field, it can be moved with sterile gloves or kept in place. Using sterile forceps unnecessarily increases the risk of contamination and is not required for maintaining sterility. D. Hold gauze packages 7.6 cm (3 in) above the sterile field: Sterile items should be dropped onto the sterile field from a height of 6–12 inches to maintain sterility while avoiding contamination. Holding the gauze package 7.6 cm above meets this standard practice.