Which area requires the surgical team and patient to wear sterile gowns?

• A. Restricted area
• B. Unrestricted area
• C. Semi-restricted area
• D. Operating room

Answer: (A)

In surgical settings, sterility is controlled by zones, with different attire rules for each. The restricted area is the zone where maintaining a sterile field is essential. In this area, the surgical team must wear sterile gowns and gloves to prevent any non-sterile clothing or skin from contaminating the sterile field. The patient is prepared and draped so that only the sterile field remains exposed, helping protect the patient from infection and keep instruments and tissues sterile during the procedure. Outside of this zone, attire requirements loosen—unrestricted areas allow street clothes, and semi-restricted areas require scrub attire but not full sterile gowns—so the need for sterile gowns is specifically tied to the restricted zone.