A nurse is receiving report on a group of clients. Using the ABCDE priority framework which f the following clients should the nurse see first?

A) Clean the skin near the drain in a circular motion from the outside to the inside:
When cleaning around a drain, the nurse should use a circular motion, but it is important to clean from the inside (near the drain) outward to prevent introducing bacteria into the drain site. Cleaning from the outside to the inside increases the risk of contaminating the wound and could cause infection.

B) Empty the drainage device when it is half full:
For a Penrose drain, the drainage is typically absorbed by a dressing rather than being collected in a drainage device. In general, for drains like Jackson-Pratt or Hemovac, emptying the device when it is half full is correct, but this is not applicable to a Penrose drain. A Penrose drain relies on passive drainage, and there is no reservoir that requires emptying.

C) Place a perforated gauze pad around the drain to absorb drainage:
A Penrose drain is an open drain that allows drainage of fluids from a wound or surgical site. A perforated gauze pad should be placed around the drain to absorb the drainage and keep the surrounding area clean and dry. This helps prevent infection and maintains a sterile environment around the wound.

D) Connect the drain to continuous low-pressure suction:
A Penrose drain does not require suction. It is a passive drain, relying on gravity to facilitate the drainage of fluid. Suction is typically used for other types of drains, such as Jackson-Pratt or Hemovac drains, which require a suction mechanism to actively draw out fluid.

A) Experiencing the pain of grief:
Experiencing the pain of grief is one of the early stages of mourning, according to Worden's tasks of grieving. This task involves confronting and processing the emotional pain and sorrow that accompany the loss. However, the statement provided by the client — "I am learning how to pay my own bills" — suggests they are adapting to life changes and responsibilities, which is more aligned with the later stages of grieving. This does not reflect the immediate pain of grief, but rather a focus on adjusting to life after the loss.

B) Finding an enduring connection while embarking on a new life:
Finding an enduring connection while embarking on a new life refers to the task of establishing a continued relationship with the deceased, while simultaneously moving forward with one's life. While this task is essential in the long-term grieving process, it does not directly relate to the client's statement, which focuses on practical changes, such as learning to manage finances, rather than a spiritual or emotional connection with the deceased.

C) Accepting the reality of the loss:
Accepting the reality of the loss is another important task in Worden’s model. This involves coming to terms with the fact that the loved one is gone. However, the client's focus on learning practical tasks like paying bills indicates that they are already moving beyond the initial stages of grief, not just accepting the loss. The statement does not clearly indicate that the client is still in the phase of accepting the reality of the loss, but rather adjusting to the changes that the loss has brought.

D) Adjusting to an environment without the deceased:
The client's statement, "I am learning how to pay my own bills," suggests they are taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to the changes brought about by the death of their partner. This aligns with Worden’s task of adjusting to an environment without the deceased, which includes taking on new roles and responsibilities that the deceased partner previously managed, such as financial tasks, household duties, and other life changes.