A nurse is assisting with postmortem care for a client who was a devout follower of Islam. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

When removing the dressing and cleaning the wound, it is important to start from the center of the wound and work towards the outer edges. This technique helps prevent contamination of the wound by minimizing the risk of dragging bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin into the wound.

The other options listed are not recommended for this specific procedure:

When removing the tape, it is generally recommended to pull it parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling from the center of the dressing. This technique reduces the risk of causing trauma or disrupting the wound.

While it is important to maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes, wearing sterile gloves is not necessary for a wet-to-dry dressing change. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure, as the dressing material itself is not sterile.

In a wet-to-dry dressing change, the dressing is typically applied moist and allowed to dry over time. Therefore, moistening the dressing before removal is not necessary. The primary goal is to remove the dry dressing, which may adhere to the wound bed, and then clean the wound before applying a fresh dressing.

The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use.

The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:

1. Social worker: Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.
2. Patient care technician: Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.
3. Psychologist: Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.