A nurse is planning to perform wound irrigation for a client who has an open secondary wound. When creating a sterile field, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: The sterile field must always be set up at or above waist level to maintain sterility. Setting it below waist level increases the risk of contamination because the nurse cannot maintain constant visual control. Choice B reason: Holding the bottle with the palm over the label while pouring prevents solution from running over the label, keeping it legible and dry. This is correct sterile technique and ensures safe handling of sterile solutions. Choice C reason: Sterile items should be placed at least 2.5 cm (1 in) inside the sterile border. Placing them within 1 cm risks contamination because the edges of the sterile field are considered non-sterile. Choice D reason: The lid of a sterile solution bottle should be placed face up on a clean surface, not within the sterile field. Placing it in the sterile field contaminates the area.