# A nurse checks supplies before performing a sterile dressing change. The facility treats the outer 1 inch of a sterile field as contaminated. A conversion reference is 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Click the item that must be replaced because part of it lies within that border.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581174&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A nurse checks supplies before performing a sterile dressing change. The facility treats the outer 1 inch of a sterile field as contaminated. A conversion reference is 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Click the item that must be replaced because part of it lies within that border.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR511.svg)

## Explanation

A extends into the outer border: its left end is only 1 cm from the drape edge.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
A. A extends into the outer border: its left end is only 1 cm from the drape edge.
Why this is the best choice
Assess the entire instrument rather than its centre or its label. One portion of A contacts the outer 2.54-cm border, so it cannot be treated as sterile. The other supplies are farther from every outer edge.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Any part of an item contacting a contaminated boundary affects the whole item.
Decision rule
Any part of an item contacting a contaminated boundary affects the whole item.
Why the other regions do not fit
B lies centrally with adequate separation from each edge. C is 4.5 cm from the top edge and farther from the others. D remains 5.5 cm from the right edge and 6 cm from the bottom edge. The tray underneath is not the boundary used for the field.
**Sources**
- The outer one-inch border of a sterile field is considered contaminated.

## Key concepts

- **Sterile-field boundary and whole-object contamination** — Any part of an item contacting a contaminated boundary affects the whole item.
- **Comparison with context** — C appears close to the top edge but is beyond the contaminated border.

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