A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change on a client with a surgical wound. Which action would BEST minimize the risk of introducing an infection during the procedure?
Wear clean gloves when opening the sterile dressing kit.
Disinfect the work surface before setting up the sterile field.
Ensure the sterile field is not touched or contaminated during the procedure.
Wash hands thoroughly before handling the sterile supplies.
The correct answer is rooted in aseptic technique, which is a critical component of infection prevention. Maintaining the sterility of the field is essential because it ensures that no contaminants come into contact with sterile supplies or the wound. Washing hands is also important, but if the sterile field is contaminated, the integrity of the procedure is compromised. Disinfecting the work surface is a preparatory measure, but it does not directly prevent contamination during the procedure itself. Wearing gloves prevents direct contact with contaminants but does not address the sterility of the field.
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