A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?
1 cm of water present in the water seal chamber
Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H20
Drainage collection chamber is one-third full
The Correct Answer is A
A. The water seal chamber should contain at least 2 cm of water to maintain the seal and prevent air from entering the pleural space. Only 1 cm of water is inadequate and requires intervention.
B. Tidaling, or fluctuation of water with respirations, is an expected finding and indicates that the system is functioning properly.
C. A suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H₂O is the standard setting for chest tube drainage systems and does not require intervention.
D. A drainage collection chamber that is one-third full is within normal limits and simply indicates the need to continue monitoring output.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Water intoxication can lead to dilutional hyponatremia, which may result in fluid shifting into cells, causing cellular swelling and potentially cerebral edema, but generalized edema is not typically associated with water intoxication.
B. Water intoxication leads to dilution of electrolytes, including sodium, which results in decreased urine specific gravity rather than elevated.
C. Thready pulse is a common finding in water intoxication due to electrolyte imbalances and hemodilution.
D. Increased hematocrit is not typically associated with water intoxication; rather, it may indicate dehydration or hemoconcentration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The provider is not required to notify the client's employer about the admission to a mental health facility. This information is protected under confidentiality laws and regulations.
B. While the client may be strongly encouraged to take prescribed medications, they cannot be forced to do so without consent, especially if they are competent to make their own decisions.
C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) typically requires informed consent from the patient or their legal representative, even in an involuntary admission scenario. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that ECT can be performed without consent.
D. If the client poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, the provider can prescribe restraints as a safety measure. This statement is correct and aligns with safety protocols in mental health facilities.
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