A nurse is assessing a client following the insertion of a central venous catheter. Which of the following findings indicates a pneumothorax?

Anticipated:

• Metoprolol 5 mg every 2 to 3 min up to three doses
• Oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
• Draw electrolytes along with Hgb and Hct
• Morphine 6 mg IV bolus every 3 hr as needed for pain
• Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL now may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses

Nonessential:

• Obtain daily weight

Contraindicated:

• Atropine 0.5 mg IV bolus every 5 min up to 2 mg

Rationale:

• Metoprolol 5 mg every 2 to 3 min up to three doses: Beta-blockers reduce myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure, making them beneficial in acute coronary syndrome. They should be used cautiously in patients with signs of heart failure or bradycardia.
• Oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula: Supplemental oxygen is recommended for clients with acute coronary syndrome when oxygen saturation is below 94% to optimize myocardial oxygen supply and prevent ischemia.
• Draw electrolytes along with Hgb and Hct: Electrolytes are critical in evaluating myocardial function, and hemoglobin/hematocrit levels help assess perfusion and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Morphine 6 mg IV bolus every 3 hr as needed for pain: Morphine is used to relieve severe chest pain in myocardial infarction and reduce myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing anxiety and preload.
• Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL now may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses: Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving oxygen delivery to the myocardium, and reduces preload and afterload, alleviating chest pain. It is a first-line treatment for angina and myocardial infarction but should be avoided in cases of hypotension.
• Obtain daily weight: Daily weight monitoring is primarily used for fluid balance assessment in conditions like heart failure rather than for acute myocardial infarction management.
• Atropine 0.5 mg IV bolus every 5 min up to 2 mg: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia. However, the client is tachycardic, so atropine would worsen the condition and is contraindicated.

A. Fluid overload: While NG tubes can be used for enteral feeding, they are often associated with fluid losses from suctioning or drainage rather than overload. Clients with NG tubes are more prone to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

B. Metabolic acidosis: NG tube suctioning primarily removes gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid. This can lead to metabolic alkalosis rather than acidosis due to excessive loss of acidic gastric secretions.

C. Hyponatremia: Prolonged NG tube suctioning or drainage can lead to the loss of sodium-rich gastric secretions, resulting in hyponatremia. Monitoring electrolyte levels and replacing lost fluids appropriately is essential to prevent imbalances.

D. Constipation: NG tubes are more commonly associated with diarrhea due to enteral feeding formulas rather than constipation. However, reduced oral intake and immobility could contribute to constipation in some cases.