When assessing a client's abdomen, particularly for "stomach pain," the nurse should:

Choice A reason: Putting on sterile gloves is not necessary before palpating the abdomen. Sterile gloves are typically used for procedures that require an aseptic technique, such as inserting a catheter or performing a surgical procedure. Palpation of the abdomen is a non-sterile procedure, and clean gloves are usually sufficient to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client's head is not a standard preparatory step before palpating the abdomen. While it may be necessary to adjust the client's position for comfort or to assess certain areas, the head elevation is not specifically related to the palpation process. The client should be in a supine position with knees slightly bent to relax the abdominal muscles, which facilitates palpation.

Choice C reason: Percussion of all four quadrants is part of the abdominal assessment but is not the step that precedes palpation. Percussion is used to assess the size and density of abdominal organs, detect the presence of fluid or gas, and evaluate tenderness. However, the correct sequence of abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation.

Choice D reason: Auscultating bowel sounds is the correct action before palpating the abdomen. This is because palpation can alter bowel motility, which may change the sounds heard. Auscultation should be performed after inspection and before percussion and palpation to obtain an accurate assessment of bowel activity. Normal bowel sounds range from 5 to 30 per minute and are characterized by clicks and gurgles.

Choice A reason: Clean gloves are necessary when touching or being in close proximity to any wound, especially one that is infected with MRSA. MRSA is a highly contagious bacterium that can spread through direct contact with the infected area or through indirect contact with contaminated objects. Wearing clean gloves helps prevent the transmission of MRSA to the nurse and to other patients.

Choice B reason: Protective eyewear is not typically required for checking a patient's pulse. However, if there is a risk of splashing or spraying of bodily fluids, protective eyewear becomes necessary to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes from exposure to infectious materials.

Choice C reason: Sterile gloves are used during procedures that require an aseptic technique, such as the changing of a sterile dressing or during invasive procedures. Checking a patient's pulse does not require sterile gloves, as it is not an aseptic procedure.

Choice D reason: A surgical mask should be worn if there is a risk of droplet transmission or if the nurse will be in close contact with the patient's wound. MRSA can be present in nasal secretions and can be spread by droplets, so wearing a mask can provide an additional layer of protection against the transmission of MRSA.