If a wrapped item is found to have a hole in the outer layer, what is the appropriate action?

Discarding the item and retrieving a new one is the best course of action when a wrapped item is found to have a hole in the outer layer. The integrity of the sterile barrier is critical in maintaining sterility; a hole signifies a breach that could allow contaminants to enter and compromise the item within. Even if the inner layer remains intact and the item appears unaffected, the potential for contamination renders it unsafe for use in a surgical setting.

Choosing to use a compromised item could lead to postoperative infections, which can complicate recoveries and increase healthcare costs. Ensuring that all items that are to be used in surgical procedures maintain their sterility is paramount, and thus retrieving a new, undamaged item is advised to uphold the highest standards of patient safety and care.