Final answer:
Wearing clean gloves when handling a patient's excretions is the nursing action that protects from infection at the portal of entry. It is crucial for preventing pathogen transmission and maintaining a sterile environment, paired with proper hand hygiene and disposal protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing action that protects the patient from infection at the portal of entry is wearing clean gloves when handling a patient's excretions. This practice is critical for preventing the transmission of pathogens to the patient's susceptible bodily sites, such as mucous membranes or open wounds. It is important that healthcare providers adhere to these protective measures in clinical settings to maintain a sterile environment and prevent sepsis. In addition to wearing gloves, proper handwashing after contact with bodily fluids, using biohazardous waste disposal methods, and maintaining sterile fields during medical procedures contribute to preventing the spread of infection.
Using protective gloves and following hand hygiene protocols are essential components of infection control in healthcare. This is not only for the safety of the patient but also for the health of medical personnel, reducing the possibility of healthcare-associated infections. When done correctly, these actions can effectively reduce the risk of infection.