A nurse is preparing to complete a sterile dressing change for a client's wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Rationale: A. Open the side flap of the sterile kit, allowing it to lie flat on the work surface: This step comes later in the process of opening a sterile field. Side flaps should be opened after the top (farthest) flap to prevent reaching over the sterile field and contaminating it. B. Open the flap on the sterile kit nearest to the nurse and place the flap on the work surface: Opening the closest flap first risks contaminating the sterile field by reaching over it. This flap should be opened last, after the top and side flaps are already secured. C. Apply sterile gloves: Sterile gloves are applied after the sterile field is prepared and all supplies are organized within the sterile area. Putting them on too early may lead to contamination during field setup. D. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the nurse's body: The first step in establishing a sterile field is to open the flap away from the body. This minimizes contamination by preventing the nurse from leaning over the sterile surface.