A nurse is caring for a patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Which nursing action should be the highest priority?

The highest priority is maintaining strict aseptic technique during all wound care and patient contact. Sepsis from secondary skin infection is the leading cause of death in Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

• Perform meticulous hand hygiene and use sterile gloves and gowns for wound care.
• Use sterile or clean non-adherent dressings depending on wound status and facility protocol.
• Monitor vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory values (WBC, cultures) for early signs of infection.
• Minimize invasive devices and maintain asepsis of any necessary lines or catheters.

Extensive epidermal detachment destroys the skin's protective barrier, creating portals for bacterial invasion. Without rigorous infection control, localized wound infections rapidly progress to systemic sepsis, significantly increasing mortality risk.