A nurse is performing a respiratory physical examination on a healthy patient. When performing the percussion physical assessment technique, the lung percussion note should be:

Choice a reason:
Getting a longer cord for the telephone may reduce the risk of tripping over a short cord but could potentially introduce new tripping hazards if not managed properly. It's important to keep cords secured and out of walkways to prevent falls.

Choice b reason:
Placing a throw rug over electrical cords is not advisable as it can create a tripping hazard. Rugs should be secured with non-slip backing and kept away from high-traffic areas to prevent falls.

Choice c reason:
Using handrails in the bathroom is a recommended safety measure to prevent falls. Bathrooms can be slippery, and handrails provide support and stability for residents when moving around in this area.

Choice d reason:
Using chairs without armrests is not a recommended practice for fall prevention. Chairs with armrests can aid residents in safely sitting down and standing up, providing support and reducing the risk of falls.

Choice A reason:
Discussing reactions to allergens typically focuses on environmental or food triggers that may cause allergic reactions. While it's important to understand a client's allergies, this topic is not closely related to alcohol use, which has different implications for health and lifestyle choices.
Choice B reason:
Asking about alcohol use naturally follows the discussion about cigarette smoking because both involve substance use and have potential health risks. It allows the nurse to transition smoothly from one lifestyle factor to another, which can impact the client's overall health. This approach also helps in creating a comprehensive picture of the client's habits that may contribute to or affect their current health status.
Choice C reason:
Reviewing current medications is an essential part of the health history, as it can reveal potential interactions with alcohol. However, it might be more appropriate to ask about alcohol use after discussing other lifestyle habits such as smoking, as they are more directly related. Once the client's substance use habits are established, the nurse can then discuss how these might interact with prescribed medications.
Choice D reason:
Asking about previous surgeries is important for understanding a client's medical history, but it is not directly related to the client's current lifestyle habits like alcohol use. Therefore, it would be more natural to ask about alcohol use in the context of other substance use discussions rather than after surgical history.