Which action should a nurse take when scheduling a mammogram for a woman?

When scheduling a mammogram for a woman, it's important to ensure that all products on the skin, such as lotions, powders, or deodorants, are removed before the test. This is because certain substances can interfere with the imaging process, potentially obscuring important details in the mammogram. These products can appear on the X-ray and lead to artifacts or false results that may require additional imaging or delays in diagnosis.

The other options, while they might hold relevance in different clinical contexts, do not directly relate to the specific preparations necessary for a mammogram. Active infections or recent hospitalizations may be important for general health assessments or in other situations but do not specifically impact the scheduling or preparation for a mammogram. Similarly, scheduling the exam on the first day of the menstrual cycle is not a standard requirement; it is often recommended to avoid scheduling during this time due to potential breast tenderness, but it does not necessarily interfere with the effectiveness of the mammogram itself. Thus, ensuring the skin is clean and free from products is the most critical action to ensure accurate results from the mammogram.