During an operative procedure, which of the following persons is NOT considered to be sterile?

The anesthesiologist is not considered to be sterile during an operative procedure. In surgical settings, sterile personnel include the surgeon, scrub tech, and often the surgical nurse who is assisting in the sterile field. These individuals wear sterile gowns, gloves, and drapes to maintain a sterile environment and prevent infection. Their role is crucial in handling instruments and assisting with the surgical procedure where sterility is paramount.

On the other hand, the anesthesiologist typically operates at the patient's head and manages anesthesia; they may not wear sterile attire since their primary function does not involve direct contact with the sterile field or instruments. Instead, they focus on monitoring the patient’s vital signs and medication administration, which does not require maintaining sterility in the same manner as those in direct surgical roles. This distinction is important in understanding the sterile protocol in an operating room and the varying responsibilities of the surgical team members.