A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube with a water seal drainage system.
Upon assessment, the nurse notes tidaling in the water seal.
Which of the following is an explanation for the tidaling?
The lung has re-expanded.
There is a loop of tubing below the drainage system.
The system is working properly.
The tubing is partially obstructed by clots.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C, the system is working properly.
Choice A rationale: The lung has re-expanded is incorrect. If the lung has re-expanded, there would be no tidaling in the water seal chamber, as the pleural space would be restored to its normal negative pressure. Tidaling indicates that there is still air or fluid in the pleural space that needs to be drained
Choice B rationale: There is a loop of tubing below the drainage system is incorrect. A loop of tubing below the drainage system would not cause tidaling in the water seal chamber, but it could cause fluid accumulation in the tubing, which could impair the drainage and increase the risk of infection. The tubing should be straight and free of kinks or loops
Choice C rationale: The system is working properly is correct. Tidaling in the water seal chamber means that the water level rises and falls with the patient’s respirations. This is normal and expected, as it indicates that the chest tube is patent and connected to the pleural space, and that the drainage system is airtight and preventing air or fluid from entering the pleural space. Tidaling should stop when the lung is fully re-expanded or the chest tube is clamped
Choice D rationale: The tubing is partially obstructed by clots is incorrect. If the tubing is partially obstructed by clots, there would be no tidaling in the water seal chamber, as the chest tube would not be able to drain the air or fluid from the pleural space. The water level in the water seal chamber would be stagnant, and the patient may experience respiratory distress. The tubing should be checked regularly for clots and milked gently if needed
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C) Eat a light snack before bedtime.
The nurse should include the instruction to eat a light snack before bedtime to promote nighttime sleep in an older adult. A light snack can help prevent hunger pangs during the night, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
The other options are not recommended for promoting nighttime sleep:
A) Performing exercises prior to bedtime can increase alertness and make it more difficult to fall asleep.
B) Taking a 1-hour nap during the day can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and make it more challenging to sleep at night.
D) Staying in bed for at least 1 hour if unable to fall asleep is not recommended. If the client cannot fall asleep, it's better to get out of bed, engage in a quiet and relaxing activity, and return to bed when feeling sleepy to avoid frustration and anxiety associated with not being able to sleep.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices A, C, D, E, F, and G.
Choice A rationale: Antihypertensive medication is indicated due to sustained elevated BP (≥160/110 mm Hg), which increases risk for stroke, placental abruption, and eclampsia. Prompt control reduces maternal and fetal morbidity.
Choice B rationale: Routine vaginal exams are contraindicated unless signs of labor are present. Frequent exams increase infection risk and are not part of standard care for hypertensive or preeclamptic clients.
Choice C rationale: A low-stimulation environment (dim lights, quiet room) reduces CNS irritability and seizure risk in preeclampsia. It supports neuroprotection and aligns with seizure precaution protocols.
Choice D rationale: Betamethasone promotes fetal lung maturity in preterm gestation when delivery is likely. It reduces neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and improves outcomes in hypertensive pregnancies.
Choice E rationale: A 24-hour urine specimen quantifies proteinuria, essential for diagnosing preeclampsia severity. Protein 3+ on dipstick warrants confirmation via timed collection for accurate staging.
Choice F rationale: Hourly intake and output monitoring detects fluid shifts, renal compromise, and early signs of pulmonary edema. It’s critical in hypertensive disorders to guide fluid management.
Choice G rationale: Bed rest minimizes physical stress, stabilizes BP, and reduces risk of placental disruption. Left lateral positioning enhances uteroplacental perfusion and supports fetal oxygenation.
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