Problem: A perioperative nurse is conducting an in-service education program about maintaining surgical asepsis during the intraoperative period. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize? Need Assignment Help? Circulating nurses may come in contact with the sterile field without contaminating it. Circulating nurses may come in contact with the sterile field without contaminating it. If a tear occurs in a sterile drape, a new sterile drape is applied on top of it. If a tear occurs in a sterile drape, a new sterile drape is applied on top of it. A distance of 3 feet must be maintained when moving around a sterile field. A distance of 3 feet must be maintained when moving around a sterile field. The edges of a sterile package, once opened, are considered unsterile. The edges of a sterile package, once opened, are considered unsterile.