A nurse is caring for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an abdominal wound. The nurse enters the room to check the client's pulse. Which of the following items should the nurse wear?

Choice A reason: Clean gloves are necessary when touching or being in close proximity to any wound, especially one that is infected with MRSA. MRSA is a highly contagious bacterium that can spread through direct contact with the infected area or through indirect contact with contaminated objects. Wearing clean gloves helps prevent the transmission of MRSA to the nurse and to other patients.

Choice B reason: Protective eyewear is not typically required for checking a patient's pulse. However, if there is a risk of splashing or spraying of bodily fluids, protective eyewear becomes necessary to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes from exposure to infectious materials.

Choice C reason: Sterile gloves are used during procedures that require an aseptic technique, such as the changing of a sterile dressing or during invasive procedures. Checking a patient's pulse does not require sterile gloves, as it is not an aseptic procedure.

Choice D reason: A surgical mask should be worn if there is a risk of droplet transmission or if the nurse will be in close contact with the patient's wound. MRSA can be present in nasal secretions and can be spread by droplets, so wearing a mask can provide an additional layer of protection against the transmission of MRSA.

Choice A reason: Gloves are typically removed first because they are likely to be the most contaminated. They should be removed carefully to avoid contaminating the hands, using the glove-in-glove or beak method.

Choice B reason: The gown should be removed after the gloves because it may also be contaminated. The nurse should reach up to the shoulders and carefully pull the gown forward and away from the body, touching only the inside of the gown.

Choice C reason: Eyewear is removed after the gown. The nurse should handle the eyewear by the arms, avoiding touching the front part that has been exposed to contaminants.

Choice D reason: The mask should be removed last because it protects the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from infectious droplets. It should be taken off by handling the ties or elastic bands from behind the head and pulling it away from the face without touching the front of the mask.