In Scenario #1 for Robert Sturgess, what is the first action to be taken?

Washing hands and donning gloves is fundamental in healthcare settings, particularly when preparing to engage with a patient. This action helps to minimize the risk of infection and adhere to standard precautions that are critical for both patient and clinician safety. Before any assessment, intervention, or interaction with the patient, proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment use are essential practices.

By starting with hand hygiene and appropriate personal protective equipment, the healthcare provider establishes a safe environment for patient care, thereby preventing the transmission of pathogens. This is a foundational step that supports all subsequent actions taken in the clinical process, reinforcing the importance of infection control in patient management.