A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. The client expresses concern that someone might steal her purse during the procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:
Gauze is used to clean the wound from the outside to the center. This action does not demonstrate safe handling techniques. Wound cleaning should generally proceed from the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area, which is usually from the center of the wound outward, to avoid introducing microorganisms into the wound.
Choice B Reason:
The soiled dressing is placed on a nearby table. Placing the soiled dressing on a nearby table poses a risk of contamination to the surrounding environment and is not considered a safe practice. Soiled dressings should be properly disposed of in a designated biohazard waste container.
Choice C Reason:
This action demonstrates an understanding of infection control. Clean gloves should be discarded after removing the old dressing to prevent transferring any contaminants to the new dressing or sterile supplies.
Choice D Reason:
Sterile supplies should be opened only after the old dressing has been removed and the wound area has been cleaned.

Choice A Reason:
Listing names of witnesses to the fall in the nurses' notes is incorrect. While it's important to document witnesses to the fall, listing their names in the nurses' notes is not the primary action related to incident reporting. Witness information is typically included in the incident report itself.
Choice B Reason:
Sending the incident report to the ethics committee is incorrect. Incident reports are typically submitted to the appropriate department within the healthcare facility responsible for managing incidents and ensuring appropriate follow-up. Sending the incident report to the ethics committee may not be necessary unless there are specific ethical concerns related to the incident.
Choice C Reason:
Includes the client's account of the fall in the incident report is correct. When a client falls, it's essential to document the incident accurately and thoroughly. Including the client's account of the fall in the incident report demonstrates an understanding of the procedure because it provides valuable information about the circumstances surrounding the fall from the client's perspective.
Choice D Reason:
Documenting in the client's record that an incident report was filed is incorrect. Documenting in the client's record that an incident report was filed is a necessary step, but it doesn't provide detailed information about the incident itself. The incident report itself should contain comprehensive details about the fall, including the client's account, witnesses, actions taken, and any resulting injuries.