What is a key protocol regarding non-sterile individuals in the operating room?

The key protocol regarding non-sterile individuals in the operating room emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from the sterile field to prevent contamination. A nonsterile person should not come closer than 1 foot away from the sterile field to minimize the risk of microbial transmission from the nonsterile individual's body or clothing to sterile instruments and areas. This standard helps ensure that the environment remains as sterile as possible, which is critical for patient safety during surgical procedures.

Maintaining this distance is vital because any breach can lead to increased infection risk. While other practices, like wearing masks, are important for general operating room protocols, the specific focus on physical distance reinforces the core principles of sterilization and infection control. The other choices do not align with the necessary protocols regarding the involvement of nonsterile personnel in the operating room since altering access to the sterile field must always prioritize maintaining sterility to prevent surgical site infections.