To confirm the presence of a barrel chest documented in the client's medical record, which action should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Auscultation assesses breath sounds and lung function but does not confirm structural changes like barrel chest. Choice B reason: Percussion evaluates diaphragmatic movement and lung borders but is not used to assess chest shape. Choice C reason: Barrel chest is a visual finding characterized by increased anterior-posterior diameter. Direct observation is the most accurate method to confirm this. Choice D reason: Tactile fremitus assesses vibration transmission through lung tissue and is used to detect consolidation, not structural deformities.