When checking sterile supplies, what should the Medical Assistant do?

When checking sterile supplies, it is essential for a Medical Assistant to examine the items thoroughly and discard any that are damaged. This is vital because sterile supplies are used in medical procedures where maintaining asepsis is crucial to prevent infections and complications. Any signs of damage, such as tears in the packaging or compromised seals, could indicate that the sterility of the item has been breached, making them unsafe for use.

Keeping supplies sealed and unopened is important for maintaining sterility, but it does not address items that may have visible damage even before opening. Simply checking the expiration date alone is insufficient, as an item may be within the expiration period yet still be compromised. Re-wrapping items after inspection would not be advisable, as it may not restore their sterility or integrity. Thus, the correct action is to carefully assess and discard any damaged sterile supplies to ensure safety and efficacy in patient care.