Which directional term means more toward the head or above another structure?

Choice A rationale: While ‘A’ is a vowel, it is not the most commonly used vowel when combining word parts in medical terminology.

Choice B rationale: ‘E’ is also a vowel, but it is not the most commonly used vowel when combining word parts in medical terminology.

Choice C rationale: ‘I’ is occasionally used as a combining vowel in medical terminology, but it is not the most commonly used.

Choice D rationale: ‘O’ is the most commonly used vowel when combining word parts in medical terminology. It helps with pronunciation and is placed to connect two word roots or to connect a word root and a suffix.

Choice E rationale: ‘U’ is a vowel, but it is not the most commonly used vowel when combining word parts in medical terminology

Choice A rationale:

The anterior surface of the drape is not the correct choice because it includes the central sterile area, which should never be touched by the nurse. Touching the central sterile area contaminates the field.

Choice B rationale:

The outer 1-inch border of the drape is the correct choice for the nurse to touch. This border is considered non-sterile and can be handled without contaminating the sterile field. It acts as a barrier, preventing contaminants from reaching the central sterile area.

Choice C rationale:

The top inner corners of the drape are part of the central sterile area and should not be touched by the nurse. Touching this area would contaminate the sterile field.

Choice D rationale:

The posterior aspect of the drape is not the correct choice because it is part of the central sterile area. Touching this area would contaminate the sterile field. When preparing a sterile field, it is essential for the nurse to follow strict aseptic techniques to maintain the sterility of the field. This includes touching only the designated non-sterile areas, such as the outer 1-inch border of the sterile drape, to avoid contamination.