The Perioperative Nurse Is Preparing to Open a Sterile Instrument

Multiple Choice

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.