A nurse is caring for a postoperative client and observes evisceration of the abdominal surgical wound. After covering the wound with a sterile, saline-soaked dressing, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: Placing a sterile kit on the overbed table above waist level maintains the sterility of the field. This position ensures that the kit is not contaminated by lower surfaces or inadvertent touch, which is essential for preventing infection during dressing changes.

Choice B rationale: Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward their body increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The first flap should be opened away from the body to maintain the sterility of the field and prevent contamination.

Choice C rationale: Turning their back to the sterile field when coughing is incorrect because it increases the risk of contamination. The nurse should step away from the sterile field and cough into their elbow or use a mask to maintain sterility.

Choice D rationale: Holding a package of sterile gauze 30.5 cm (12 in) above the sterile field when dropping the gauze onto the field is too high and increases the risk of contamination. The gauze should be held closer, approximately 6 inches above the field, to ensure accuracy and sterility.

Choice A rationale:

Dishwashing gloves are often made of latex, which can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals with a latex allergy. Direct contact with latex-containing items should be avoided to prevent allergic responses.

Choice B rationale:

Adhesive tape commonly contains latex and can lead to allergic reactions in individuals with a latex allergy. Avoiding contact with latex-containing items is crucial to prevent potential allergic symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Macadamia nuts and bananas do not typically contain latex and are not known to trigger latex allergies. While these items can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, they are not relevant to a latex allergy.

Choice D rationale:

While macadamia nuts and bananas can cause allergies in some people, they do not contain latex and are not associated with latex allergies. Therefore, they are not items that the nurse needs to instruct the client to avoid due to their latex allergy.

Choice E rationale:

Rubber bands are often made from latex, which can provoke an allergic reaction in individuals with a latex allergy. Encouraging the client to steer clear of items like rubber bands helps prevent potential allergic responses.