A provider has ordered a wound culture for a client with a nonhealing wound. What is the nurse's first action?

Choice A reason: Putting on nonsterile gloves is the first action that the nurse should take before performing a wound culture. This is to protect the nurse from exposure to blood and body fluids and to prevent crosscontamination. Nonsterile gloves are sufficient for wound care as long as the wound is not sterile or infected.

Choice B reason: Gently removing the soiled dressings is the second action that the nurse should take after putting on nonsterile gloves. This is to expose the wound and prepare it for irrigation and culture. The nurse should discard the soiled dressings in a biohazard bag and observe the wound for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or odor.

Choice C reason: Irrigating the wound is the third action that the nurse should take after removing the soiled dressings. This is to cleanse the wound and remove any debris or bacteria. The nurse should use sterile normal saline or an antiseptic solution as prescribed by the provider and irrigate the wound with a syringe or a spray bottle. The nurse should avoid touching the wound with the irrigation device and collect the runoff in a basin or a towel.

Choice D reason: Labeling the specimen tube is the last action that the nurse should take after irrigating the wound and obtaining the culture. This is to ensure that the specimen is correctly identified and processed by the laboratory. The nurse should label the tube with the client's name, date, time, and site of the wound. The nurse should also document the procedure and the wound assessment in the client's chart.

Choice A reason: Obtaining a PAPR mask is not a step in preparing a sterile field. A PAPR mask is a powered airpurifying respirator that protects the wearer from airborne contaminants. It is not required for setting up a sterile field, unless the client has a highly infectious disease.

Choice B reason: Do not turn away from the sterile field is a step in preparing a sterile field. Turning away from the sterile field can contaminate the field or the items on it. The nurse should always face the sterile field and keep it in view.

Choice C reason: Add items to the sterile field by dropping them gently is a step in preparing a sterile field. Dropping items gently onto the sterile field prevents splashing or touching the field or the items. The nurse should open the sterile packages away from the field and drop the items close to the edge of the field.

Choice D reason: Covering the sterile field once it is set up is not a step in preparing a sterile field. Covering the sterile field can compromise its sterility and create moisture that can harbor microorganisms. The nurse should not cover the sterile field unless it is necessary to move it or store it for later use.

Choice E reason: Preparing the client before setting up the sterile field is a step in preparing a sterile field. Preparing the client involves explaining the procedure, obtaining consent, providing privacy, and positioning the client. The nurse should prepare the client before setting up the sterile field to avoid leaving the field unattended or exposing it to the client's body fluids.