A nurse is caring for a client who is HIV-positive and is 1 day postoperative following an appendectomy. Which of the following actions requires the nurse to wear a gown as personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A. Changing a wound dressing: Contact with potentially infectious body fluids, such as blood or exudate from a surgical wound, requires the nurse to wear a gown to prevent contamination of clothing and reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. Proper PPE protects both the nurse and other clients. B. Administering a medication by IV intermittent bolus: Giving IV medications does not generally involve contact with body fluids that can soil clothing, so a gown is not typically required. Standard precautions like hand hygiene and gloves are usually sufficient. C. Talking with the client at the bedside: Verbal interaction without physical contact or exposure to body fluids does not require a gown. Standard precautions and maintaining personal distance are adequate for routine conversation. D. Administering an IM injection: Intramuscular injections do not involve significant exposure to blood or body fluids that would soil clothing. Gloves may be worn for protection, but a gown is not necessary unless contamination is anticipated.