An assistive personnel (AP) reports a client's vital signs as tympanic temperature 37.1° C (98.8° F), pulse 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and BP 88/58 mm Hg. Which of the following vital signs should the nurse re-measure?

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:

Auscultation at the pulmonic and mitral points would not provide the clearest hearing of the S2 heart sound. The S2 sound is composed of two components: A2 (aortic valve closure) and P2 (pulmonic valve closure). The aortic valve sound (A2) is usually louder than P2. Mitral point is not ideal for hearing S2 clearly, as it's mostly associated with S1 sound.

Choice B rationale:

The tricuspid and aortic points are the most appropriate for hearing the S2 heart sound. The aortic valve (A2) is best heard at the second right intercostal space close to the sternum, and the tricuspid valve is best heard at the lower left sternal border.

Choice C rationale:

While the mitral and tricuspid points are important for auscultating the heart sounds, they are more associated with the S1 sound (the first heart sound). The S2 sound is best heard at the aortic and pulmonic areas.

Choice D rationale:

The aortic and pulmonic points are important for assessing the S2 heart sound, but they are not the most optimal locations. The aortic valve sound is heard most clearly at the second right intercostal space, whereas the pulmonic valve sound is heard at the second left intercostal space.