A nurse is caring for a client who requires contact precautions.
Which action should the nurse take with this client?

Choice D rationale:

When preparing to open a sterile pack, the nurse must touch only the inner surface of the inner wrapper to maintain sterility. This is a fundamental principle of aseptic technique. Sterile items should be handled with care to prevent contamination. By touching only the inner surface of the inner wrapper, the nurse ensures that the contents of the pack remain sterile and safe for use in medical procedures. Any contact with the outer surface or other non-sterile items can compromise the sterility of the contents.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the sterile pack on a clean surface is a good practice but does not ensure the maintenance of sterility. Sterile items should be placed on a sterile surface or field to prevent contamination. Placing the pack on a clean surface may still expose it to potential contaminants, compromising its sterility.

Choice B rationale:

Turning the pack so that the first flap faces the nurse's body is incorrect. The first flap should be opened away from the nurse to avoid the risk of contamination. By opening the flap away from the nurse, any potential contaminants in the air are less likely to come into contact with the sterile contents.

Choice C rationale:

Opening the right-side flap first is not a standard practice for opening a sterile pack. The choice of which side to open first may vary based on individual preference or the design of the packaging. The key factor is to maintain the sterility of the contents by handling the pack appropriately, as mentioned in choice D.

Choice A rationale:

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) do not necessarily occur due to compromised immunity. HAIs refer to infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions, and they can happen to individuals with varying levels of immunity.

Choice B rationale:

While infections during therapeutic procedures are a concern, not all healthcare-associated infections occur during such procedures. HAIs can happen in various healthcare settings and not limited to therapeutic procedures.

Choice C rationale:

Inhaling pathogens in a healthcare setting might lead to infections, but not all healthcare-associated infections happen due to inhalation. HAIs can occur through different modes of transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur when a patient acquires an infection while receiving care in a healthcare setting, including hospitals. This can involve various sources, such as contaminated medical equipment, surgical procedures, or interactions with healthcare personnel.