A charge nurse is observing a nurse perform a sterile dressing change for a client. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse identify as demonstrating sterile technique?

Choice A rationale:

The child having red fissures at the corners of the mouth is not the priority finding. While this could indicate a nutritional deficiency, such as vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency, the presence of bruises on the child's legs raises more immediate concerns related to potential physical abuse or safety issues.

Choice B rationale:

The child having several small bruises on both legs is the priority finding. Bruising on a school-age child could indicate physical abuse or an unsafe living environment. Ensuring the child's safety and well-being takes precedence over other findings. Assessing the nature, pattern, and explanation for the bruises is crucial.

Choice C rationale:

The child sleeping for about 13 hours each night is not the priority finding in this scenario. While sleep patterns are important, the potential for physical abuse and safety concerns associated with the bruises takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

The child not regularly attending school is a concern, but it is not the priority finding when compared to the possibility of physical abuse indicated by the bruises. Both issues need to be addressed, but ensuring the child's immediate safety is the primary focus.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the sterile package with the top flap opening away from the body is the correct choice. This technique helps maintain the sterility of the contents by preventing potential contamination from the nurse's body and clothing.

Choice B rationale:

Pinching the flap on the inside of the package first to open it is not a recommended sterile technique. It could potentially introduce contamination from the nurse's hand into the sterile field when pinching the inner flap.

Choice C rationale:

Reaching over the package to open the left flap is not the ideal technique. Reaching over the sterile field can introduce the risk of contamination, as the nurse's arm and body might come into contact with the sterile supplies.

Choice D rationale:

Pulling the last flap of the package away from the body is not the most effective technique. This action could potentially lead to the nurse's hand coming close to or over the sterile field, increasing the risk of contamination.