A nurse is caring for a patient on a Medical-Surgical unit with a wound that has a drain and a dressing that needs changing. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Providing wound irrigation might be necessary during the dressing change, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. First, the nurse should ensure they have all the necessary supplies to prevent interruptions during the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

While avoiding accidentally removing the drain is important, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Ensuring that all supplies are gathered and ready will help facilitate a smooth and organized dressing change.

Choice C rationale:

Gathering supplies is the priority in this situation. Having all the needed supplies readily available ensures that the dressing change can be carried out efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Choice D rationale:

Providing analgesic medication as ordered by the provider is important for the patient's comfort during the procedure. However, it should not be the first action the nurse takes. First, the nurse should ensure that they have all the necessary supplies to conduct the dressing change safely.

Choice A rationale:

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is a common finding in clients with emphysema. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by the destruction of lung tissue, leading to reduced lung elasticity and airflow limitation, which can result in difficulty breathing.

Choice B rationale:

Clubbing of the fingers is another expected finding in clients with advanced emphysema. Clubbing is the swelling and rounding of the fingertips, often associated with chronic respiratory conditions. It is thought to be a result of chronic hypoxia and inadequate oxygenation.

Choice C rationale:

Deep respirations are not typically associated with emphysema. Clients with emphysema often exhibit shallow, rapid respirations due to the loss of lung tissue elasticity, which impairs the normal respiratory mechanics.

Choice D rationale:

Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a common finding in emphysema. Emphysema primarily affects the respiratory system and does not directly influence heart rate. Bradycardia could be related to other factors but is not a characteristic finding of emphysema.

Choice E rationale:

Barrel chest is a classic physical finding in clients with emphysema. It results from the hyperinflation of the lungs due to the trapping of air in the damaged alveoli. This gives the chest a rounded appearance, similar to the shape of a barrel.