Final answer:
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment is the action that reduces the nurse's risk for infection when changing the dressing of an infected abdominal wound. Sterile technique and antibiotics are important for patient care, but PPE safeguards the nurse directly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action that reduces the nurse's risk for infection when changing the dressing of an infected abdominal wound is B. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Wearing the proper PPE, which includes gloves, gowns, masks, and possibly face shields, serves as a barrier against infectious agents. Adhering to sterile technique during the intervention and completing the dressing change in an effective, timely way are also important, but PPE is the first line of defense against direct contact with infectious material.
While beginning antibiotic therapy before the dressing change could benefit the patient by reducing the microbial load, this does not directly protect the nurse from infection. Antibiotics are generally used prophylactically in patients to prevent infection, not in healthcare workers for self-protection during procedures.
It's crucial for healthcare workers to follow strict hygiene protocols, regularly wash hands, and properly use antiseptics to maintain a sterile environment, thereby preventing the spread of infections and protecting both the patient and themselves.