A Medical-Surgical nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has a new prescription for home oxygen. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

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.

Choice A rationale:

The choice "Patient ate half of his breakfast tray" is not the correct answer. While poor appetite or decreased intake can impact a patient's nutritional status, it is not a direct indicator of pressure ulcer risk.

Choice B rationale:

The choice "Patient has a raised erythematous rash below the knee" is not the correct answer. This might indicate a localized skin issue, such as an allergic reaction or dermatitis, but it is not a clear sign of pressure ulcer risk.

Choice C rationale:

The choice "Patient has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds" is not the correct answer. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral circulation and is useful in evaluating perfusion, but it is not specifically indicative of pressure ulcer risk.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer is "Patient is incontinent of stool." Choice D is the correct answer. Incontinence, especially fecal incontinence, increases the risk of pressure ulcer development. Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or stool weakens the skin's integrity, making it more susceptible to breakdown when pressure is applied over bony prominences.