What it means
In surgery and sterile procedures, sterile drapes cover everything except the site, making a sterile field that only sterile items may touch. At the bedside, a plain drape or bath blanket covers the parts of the body not being examined or washed, for warmth and privacy. As a verb, to drape is to cover the client this way.
For the nurse
Anything that touches a sterile drape must be sterile; a drape that gets wet or torn is no longer sterile. When bathing or examining a client, uncover only the part you are working on.
At a glance
| Also written | drapes, draping, draped |
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Related terms
sterile glove
A glove that has been sterilized and packed so it can touch a sterile field or an open body area without bringing in germs.
surgical mask
A loose-fitting disposable mask that covers the nose and mouth and blocks droplets and splashes.