A nurse is collecting data from a client about risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is a modifiable risk factor?

A. "Apply the transdermal patch to either of the client's forearms" is incorrect. The nurse should avoid applying the patch to areas with excessive hair, irritation, or broken skin. Common areas include the upper torso (e.g., upper arm, chest, or back).

B. "Remove the old transdermal patch before applying a new one" is correct. To prevent overdose or accidental administration of an additional dose, the nurse should always remove the old patch before applying a new one.

C. "Apply the patch to a clean, hairless area of the client's skin" is correct. This ensures better adhesion and absorption of the medication, as hair and dirt can interfere with the patch's effectiveness.

D. "Use sterile gloves to apply and remove transdermal patches" is incorrect. Standard gloves are sufficient for applying and removing transdermal patches, as they do not need to be sterile.

E. "Dispose of old transdermal patches in a childproof container" is correct. Fentanyl patches should be disposed of properly to avoid accidental exposure or ingestion by children or pets. A childproof container ensures safe disposal.

A. Respiratory rate 16/min is a normal finding. A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the expected range for adults, so it does not indicate a problem that requires immediate attention.

B. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for blood pressure. This is an acceptable finding and does not require reporting to the charge nurse.

C. 400 mL of drainage in the collection chamber within 4 hr should be reported to the charge nurse. This is an excessive amount of drainage for a client with a chest tube. After the first few hours post-surgery, the drainage should decrease. Large amounts of drainage may indicate bleeding, and it is important to notify the charge nurse immediately to assess the situation further.

D. Fluctuation in the water seal chamber with respiration is a normal finding. It is expected for the water seal chamber to fluctuate with the client’s respirations, indicating that the chest tube is functioning properly and the system is not obstructed.