What precaution should a nurse take when assessing a client with a suspected scabies rash?

When assessing a client with a suspected scabies rash, wearing a gown and gloves is essential to prevent direct contact with the skin and to protect against the transmission of the scabies mites. Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin, leading to an itchy rash. The use of gloves helps to prevent the transmission of the mites that could occur through skin-to-skin contact, while a gown provides a barrier to protect clothing and skin from any potential contamination.

Other precautions often considered in healthcare settings, such as wearing a mask and goggles, are not necessary in this case since scabies is not transmitted through respiratory droplets. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an effective measure for hand hygiene but does not provide protection from the skin-to-skin contact necessary in the case of scabies. Immediate isolation of the patient is typically not required unless there is a confirmed diagnosis, as the condition is managed more effectively through treatment rather than isolation. Thus, the appropriate precaution focuses on direct contact protection, making the choice to wear a gown and gloves the correct measure.