Which action is considered an important step in maintaining a sterile environment in the OR?

Frequent hand washing and glove changes are critical in maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room. This practice helps minimize the risk of surgical site infections, which can result from contamination. Hand washing eliminates potential pathogens from the healthcare provider's hands, and changing gloves regularly prevents cross-contamination between patients or different surgical sites.

By adhering to stringent hand hygiene protocols, surgical teams can protect both their patients and themselves, ensuring that the sterile field is preserved throughout the procedure. Maintaining proper technique in these practices contributes significantly to the overall safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures.

The importance of this action is widely recognized in surgical guidelines, emphasizing that a clean environment is essential for patient safety and positive surgical outcomes.