A middle-aged client reports, "I can't get my breath when I walk." Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest and is using his accessory muscles to breathe. The patient's respiratory rate is 28/min. On palpation, there is limited expansion and decreased tactile fremitus. Percussion yields hyperresonant sounds. On auscultation, prolonged expiration, scattered wheezes, and rhonchi are present. Which disorder would the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale:

Cleaning the wound by scrubbing the site with gauze is not an appropriate intervention for a stage 3 pressure ulcer. Scrubbing can damage the fragile tissue, increase the risk of infection, and delay wound healing. Gentle cleaning with a mild solution and avoiding trauma to the wound bed are recommended.

Choice B rationale:

Massaging reddened areas with dressing changes is contraindicated for pressure ulcers, especially stage 3 ulcers. Massaging can cause further damage to the tissues and disrupt the healing process. Dressing changes should focus on maintaining a clean and moist environment to promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

(Correct Choice) Repositioning the client at least every 2 hours is a crucial intervention to prevent further pressure ulcers and facilitate wound healing. Regular repositioning helps relieve pressure on specific areas and improves blood circulation, reducing the risk of tissue breakdown and the development of new ulcers.

Choice D rationale:

Applying a heat lamp twice a day is not recommended for stage 3 pressure ulcers. Heat can increase blood flow to the area, potentially exacerbating inflammation and delaying healing. Pressure ulcers require a clean and moist environment for optimal healing.

Choice A rationale:

Protective precautions (also known as reverse isolation) are implemented to protect clients with compromised immune systems from potential pathogens brought in by healthcare providers or visitors. This choice would be appropriate for clients who are highly susceptible to infections, but it's not the primary choice for managing a wound infected with MRSA.

Choice B rationale:

Droplet precautions are utilized for diseases spread by respiratory droplets. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact with contaminated skin or objects. Therefore, droplet precautions are not the most appropriate choice for this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Airborne precautions are designed for diseases that spread via small particles suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis. MRSA does not spread through the airborne route, so airborne precautions are not necessary for a wound infection with MRSA.

Choice D rationale:

Contact precautions are the correct choice when dealing with MRSA infections. MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact or contact with contaminated objects. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse can effectively prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and healthcare workers.