What action is taken if contamination occurs during instrument handling?

When there is contamination during instrument handling, the appropriate action is to remove the instruments from the sterile field. This step is essential to maintain the integrity of the sterile environment and prevent any potential infection or complications for the patient. Contaminated instruments can introduce pathogens into the surgical site, which can lead to surgical site infections or other serious complications.

By removing the contaminated instruments, the surgical team helps ensure that only sterile instruments are used during the procedure, thereby safeguarding the patient's health and the overall success of the surgery. This action reflects the fundamental principles of surgical asepsis, which are critical for safe and effective surgical practices.