What should be done after applying dressings and before removing sterile drapes?

After applying dressings, covering them with a clean, dry, and sterile towel is an essential step that helps protect the integrity of the dressings and the surgical site. This practice minimizes the risk of contamination by providing an additional layer of protection and maintaining sterility until the drapes can be safely removed.

In surgical settings, it’s crucial to ensure that any exposed dressing remains sterile and is not compromised by environmental factors or contact with non-sterile surfaces. By placing a sterile towel over the dressings, you also prepare the area for further procedures, inspections, or for moving the patient safely without risking exposure to potential contaminants.

The other options do not prioritize the preservation of the sterile dressing as effectively as covering it. Placing drapes in a waste container is important for maintaining a clean environment but does not help protect the dressing itself. Removing drapes while maintaining a sterile field is necessary but should come after ensuring the dressings are adequately protected. Securing the dressings with adhesive tape only would not provide the sterile barrier needed immediately after their application.