A nurse is assessing a client who has postoperative atelectasis and is hypoxic. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Lethargy

Bradycardia

Intercostal retractions

Bradypnea

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Intercostal retractions, or the inward movement of the chest wall between the ribs, are a sign of respiratory distress and hypoxia. They indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung expansion, which are common in clients who have postoperative atelectasis. Atelectasis is a collapse of alveoli in a part of the lung, which impairs gas exchange and oxygenation.

a) Lethargy, or a state of reduced mental alertness and energy, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxia. It can be caused by other factors, such as pain, medication, infection, or electrolyte imbalance. Hypoxia usually causes restlessness, anxiety, or confusion.
b) Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxia. It can be caused by other factors, such as medication, vagal stimulation, or heart block. Hypoxia usually causes tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, as the body tries to compensate for the low oxygen level.
d) Bradypnea, or a slow respiratory rate, is not a typical manifestation of hypoxia. It can be caused by other factors, such as medication, brain injury, or metabolic alkalosis. Hypoxia usually causes tachypnea, or a fast respiratory rate, as the body tries to increase oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Continuing to monitor the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is a normal and expected finding. The water seal chamber acts as a one-way valve that allows air to exit from the pleural space and prevents air from entering. The water level in this chamber ﬂuctuates with breathing, rising with inspiration and falling with expiration. This indicates that the chest tube system is functioning properly and that there is no air leak.

a) Immediately notifying the provider is not necessary, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is not an abnormal or urgent finding. The nurse should only notify the provider if there are signs of complications, such as persistent bubbling in the water seal chamber, which indicates an air leak, or no ﬂuctuation in the water level, which indicates an obstruction or resolution of pneumothorax.
b) Clamping the chest tube near the water seal is not advisable, as it can cause increased pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube should only be done for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Repositioning the client toward the left side is not helpful, as it does not aﬀect the water level in the water seal chamber. The nurse should position the client according to their comfort and condition, and avoid placing them ﬂat or on their aﬀected side, as this can impair drainage and ventilation.

A. Post no smoking signs in a prominent location in the home. B. Verify the oxygen ﬂow rate every other day. C. Check the tops of the ears for skin breakdown. D. Apply petroleum ointment to nares if they become dry and irritated. E. Check the cannula position on a regular basis.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

These are important safety and comfort measures for a client who uses home oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula.

The other options are not correct because:

b. Verify the oxygen ﬂow rate every other day. This is not frequent enough, as the ﬂow rate should be checked at least daily and whenever the client feels short of breath or has changes in vital signs.

d. Apply petroleum ointment to nares if they become dry and irritated. This is not recommended, as petroleum products can ignite in the presence of oxygen and cause burns or fire. A water-based lubricant should be used instead.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has postoperative atelectasis and is hypoxic. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take after noticing a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

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