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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should prioritize the client's concerns and engage in therapeutic communication. By asking the client about their concerns, the nurse demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express their feelings, which can help address any fears or anxieties related to using a bedpan. This approach promotes trust and allows the nurse to provide appropriate support and education to the client.
Choice B rationale:
This option does not address the client's concerns about using a bedpan. Instructing the client to use nearby furniture does not address the client's emotional needs or provide appropriate assistance for the current situation.
Choice C rationale:
This response is authoritarian and does not respect the client's autonomy or emotional state. It may cause the client to feel powerless and anxious, which can negatively impact the nurse-client relationship.
Choice D rationale:
Involving the physical therapist in this situation is unnecessary and does not address the client's immediate concern. It also does not promote open communication between the nurse and the client about the client's feelings regarding using a bedpan.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client with epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities might be experiencing complications related to the epidural, such as epidural hematoma or nerve damage. However, the immediate concern is the client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea. Tachypnea can indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening respiratory status due to the fracture, both of which require urgent assessment and intervention.
Choice B rationale:
The client with diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.89% has a well-controlled blood glucose level. This condition does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea, who might be experiencing a life-threatening complication.
Choice C rationale:
The client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea is the priority for assessment. Tachypnea can be a sign of respiratory distress, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening lung function due to the fracture. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.
Choice D rationale:
The client with sinus arrhythmia and cardiac monitoring is stable and does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea.
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