A client with a right hemopneumothorax has a chest tube connected to suction.
While turning to the left side, the client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. What should the nurse do next?

Choice C rationale

The first step in managing a patient with abdominal pain and distention is to complete a focused assessment. This will help the nurse determine the severity of the patient’s condition and guide subsequent interventions.

Choice A rationale

Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce the risk of aspiration, especially in a patient who has recently vomited. This is particularly important in this case as the patient’s vomit is dark brown, indicating possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Sending the emesis sample to the lab is important for determining the cause of the patient’s symptoms. The lab can analyze the sample for the presence of blood or other abnormalities.

Choice D rationale

Offering PRN pain medication is important for patient comfort. However, it should be done after the assessment and initial interventions have been completed. The medication may mask symptoms that could provide important diagnostic information.

Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They can include: Pain in the joint during or after use, or after periods of inactivity, Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure to or near it, Stiffness in the joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, Loss of flexibility in the joint, Grating sensation or sound when you use the joint. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of osteoarthritis.

Choice B rationale
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints, Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. The client’s symptoms align with those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Choice C rationale
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Choice D rationale
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Gout.