Drapes required for the abdomen. Which item is part of the abdominal drape setup?

• A. Laparotomy drape with or without arm board extensions
• B. Under-buttocks drape or fluid collection drape
• C. Two split or U-drapes
• D. Impervious tube stockinet to fit over the foot if excluded

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that abdominal surgery requires a large, fenestrated drape designed to cover the abdomen and create a stable sterile field. A laparotomy drape fits this need perfectly because it provides a big central opening for the incision area and extends sufficiently around the abdomen to maintain sterility of the surrounding skin and draped surfaces. It may include arm board extensions to secure positioning and keep the arms out of the sterile field while preserving access to the abdominal region.

The other items aren’t specific to abdominal draping: an under-buttocks drape or fluid collection drape is aimed at areas like the perineum or sites where fluids are anticipated, not for exposing the abdomen. Two split or U-drapes serve different configurations or regions and don’t offer the same centralized fenestration and abdominal coverage as a laparotomy drape. An impervious stockinet for the foot is for limb containment when the leg is excluded from the field, not for creating the abdominal sterile field.