Riley D. is a certified medical assistant who has worked for Dr. Cormell, a dermatologist, for two years. She usually assists her in the surgical procedures performed in the office. Manuel C. is also a certified medical assistant who was hired recently. He is undergoing training with Riley because Dr. Cormell is opening a new location. Today, Riley will assist the doctor with a biopsy on a patient with a mole that changed color two months ago. Riley invited Manuel for him to observe the preparations for the procedure. She educates him on surgical handwashing and sterile gloving, and Manuel is amazed at how Riley assembles the instruments on the Mayo table for the doctor to reach out. Riley warns him not to talk or touch the table during the procedure and reminds him to put on his mask and to always keep his hands in front. The procedure is short and going well. The doctor is now preparing to suture, and Manuel is intensely observing the entire process; however, he suddenly feels the urge to sneeze. Riley glances worriedly at Manuel. What can Manuel do to avoid contaminating the sterile field? What are the consequences of someone sneezing over a sterile field during a procedure?

Riley D. is a certified medical assistant who has worked for Dr. Cormell, a dermatologist, for two years. She usually assists her in the surgical procedures performed in the office. Manuel C. is also a certified medical assistant who was hired recently. He is undergoing training with Riley because Dr. Cormell is opening a new location. Today, Riley will assist the doctor with a biopsy on a patient with a mole that changed color two months ago. Riley invited Manuel for him to observe the preparations for the procedure. She educates him on surgical handwashing and sterile gloving, and Manuel is amazed at how Riley assembles the instruments on the Mayo table for the doctor to reach out. Riley warns him not to talk or touch the table during the procedure and reminds him to put on his mask and to always keep his hands in front. The procedure is short and going well. The doctor is now preparing to suture, and Manuel is intensely observing the entire process; however, he suddenly feels the urge to sneeze. Riley glances worriedly at Manuel. What can Manuel do to avoid contaminating the sterile field? What are the consequences of someone sneezing over a sterile field during a procedure?