Prep, Packaging & StorageQuestion 90 of 100
A technician notices that a wrapped tray on the sterile storage shelf has a small tear in the outer wrapper. What should be done?
a.Apply a patch of sterilization tape over the tear and return the tray to the shelf
b.Remove the outer wrapper and use the tray, since the inner wrapper is intact
c.Place the tray at the back of the shelf and use it only for non-sterile procedures
d.Consider the package contaminated, return it to the department, and fully reprocess the contents including cleaning, inspection, repackaging, and sterilization
Explanation
Any breach in packaging integrity is an event that ends sterility, so the package is removed from inventory and reprocessed from the beginning rather than salvaged. Taping a tear does not restore a sterile barrier and hides the defect from the next user. Assuming the inner wrapper stayed sterile is not defensible, and there is no lower-risk shelf on which a compromised sterile package may be kept.
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