Which operating room accessory is a piece of equipment covered with a sterile drape, placed over the patient for quick access to instruments during surgery?

• A. Ring stand
• B. Kick bucket
• C. Mayo stand
• D. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Answer: (C)

A Mayo stand is a mobile, narrow stand with a tray that can be positioned over the patient. It is covered with a sterile drape so the instruments on the tray remain part of the sterile field and are within quick reach to the surgeon and staff during the procedure. This setup minimizes movement and saves time by keeping commonly used instruments at hand without leaving the sterile area. The other items don’t fit because a ring stand holds basins or drapes away from the patient, a kick bucket is used for waste, and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological concept, not an operating room accessory.