Surgeons apply the surgical drapes in a prescribed order based on:

• A. Aseptic technique
• B. Surgical practice
• C. The patient's risk of infection
• D. Hospital policy

Answer: (A)

Sealed, sterile barriers are the cornerstone of the operating room, so the draping sequence is guided by aseptic technique. The goal is to keep the surgical field uncontaminated, which means applying drapes in a way that prevents transfer of microorganisms from nonsterile areas to the incision area and from one drape to another. This is achieved by handling drapes in a sterile manner and placing them so the cleanest area is closest to the incision and the sterile field is maintained at all times. Hospital policy or general surgical practice may outline steps, and patient infection risk influences broader precautions, but the order itself is driven by the need to preserve sterility through aseptic technique.