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?

A. Open the flap on the sterile kit nearest to the nurse and place the flap on the work surface: Opening the flap closest to the nurse first increases the risk of contaminating the sterile field. The nurse’s arms and clothing could cross over the field, compromising sterility. B. Open the side flap of the sterile kit, allowing it to lie flat on the work surface: Side flaps are opened after the flap farthest from the nurse. Opening side flaps prematurely can increase the chance of contaminating the sterile contents. C. Apply sterile gloves: Sterile gloves are applied after the sterile field has been properly opened and prepared. Donning gloves before opening the sterile kit does not follow the correct sequence of steps. D. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the nurse's body: Opening the flap farthest from the nurse first prevents reaching over the sterile field. This action helps maintain sterility and establishes a safe sterile field for the procedure.