What is the consequence of not maintaining a sterile field?

• A. Increased risk of infection for the patient
• B. Lower efficiency in surgical procedures
• C. Extended recovery times
• D. Higher number of surgical staff required

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures is crucial to prevent the introduction of pathogens that can lead to postoperative infections. When the sterile field is compromised, the likelihood of contaminants entering the surgical site increases significantly. This can result in surgical site infections (SSIs), which can negatively impact patient outcomes, prolong hospital stays, and lead to additional medical interventions. Thus, the primary consequence of not maintaining a sterile field is indeed an increased risk of infection for the patient, making this the most critical reason for adhering to strict sterile techniques in the operating room.

While other options, such as decreased efficiency of procedures or extended recovery times, may be relevant in certain contexts, they are secondary to the primary concern of patient safety and infection prevention. The additional requirement of surgical staff is typically unrelated to the sterility of the field itself but rather to the procedural complexity and patient care considerations. Therefore, the most pressing consequence remains the heightened risk of infection associated with a non-sterile environment.