Which of the following items does not need to be present on a surgical field?

In a surgical setting, maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. Items that are necessary for the actual surgical procedure must be present on the surgical field, while others may not be required.

Sterile gloves, sharps containers, and anesthetics are all critical components of the surgical field. Sterile gloves protect both the surgical team and the patient from contamination. Sharps containers are essential for safely disposing of blades and needles to prevent injury and maintain a safe environment. Anesthetics, both local and general, are integral to managing the patient's pain and responsiveness throughout the procedure.

However, ointments or creams do not need to be present on the surgical field as they are typically not applied during the surgical process itself. Their use may be more appropriate in postoperative care for wound treatment or skin care, rather than during surgery. This distinction highlights the focus on immediate surgical needs versus post-operative care,, making ointments or creams non-essential items in the surgery setting.