A nurse administers 200 mL of enteral nutrition via a client’s gastrostomy (GT) tube. The nurse flushes the feed bolus with 30 mL of water before and after the feed. How many mL does the nurse document as intake in the I&O?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A reason: Positioning the collection device below the level of the chest is crucial to ensure proper drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space. This positioning uses gravity to facilitate drainage and prevent backflow into the pleural cavity, which could lead to complications such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion. The collection device should always be kept below the chest level to maintain effective drainage.

Choice B reason: Clamping the chest tube is generally not recommended unless specifically ordered by a physician or during certain procedures. Clamping can lead to a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space, increasing the risk of tension pneumothorax. It is essential to keep the chest tube unclamped to allow continuous drainage and prevent complications.

Choice C reason: Applying an occlusive dressing over the chest tube site is necessary to prevent air from entering the pleural space and to secure the tube. However, this is not the primary action related to the positioning of the collection device. The occlusive dressing helps maintain the integrity of the chest tube insertion site and prevents infection.

Choice D reason: Emptying the chest tube collection chamber every shift is not a standard practice. The collection chamber should be monitored and emptied as needed based on the volume of drainage and the specific protocols of the healthcare facility. Regular monitoring is essential, but unnecessary emptying can disrupt the closed system and increase the risk of infection.

Choice A reason: Thrombophlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein with the formation of a blood clot. The signs and symptoms include erythema, warmth, edema, and a red line traveling up the vessel, which indicates the presence of inflammation and possible clot formation. This condition requires prompt intervention to prevent further complications such as the spread of infection or the clot traveling to other parts of the body.

Choice B reason: Infiltration occurs when IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue. Signs of infiltration include swelling, discomfort, and coolness at the IV site, but it does not typically present with erythema, warmth, or a red line traveling up the vessel. Infiltration is less likely to cause the systemic signs seen in this case.

Choice C reason: Infection at the IV site can cause erythema, warmth, and edema, but it usually does not present with a red line traveling up the vessel. The red line is more indicative of thrombophlebitis, where the inflammation follows the path of the vein. Infection would also likely present with additional systemic signs such as fever.

Choice D reason: Extravasation involves the leakage of vesicant drugs into the surrounding tissue, causing severe local tissue damage. Signs include pain, burning, and blistering at the site, but it does not typically present with a red line traveling up the vessel. Extravasation is more localized and does not follow the vein’s path like thrombophlebitis.