A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube and observes the water level in the water seal bubbling as the client breathes. How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding?

Inform the health care provider that there is a probable leak in the drainage system.

Encourage the client to breathe deeply so the water seal will stabilize.

Inform the health care provider that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed.

Document that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Inform the health care provider that there is a probable leak in the drainage system: Bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest drainage system during client breathing is an expected finding and indicates air movement in and out of the pleural space. It does not necessarily indicate a leak in the drainage system. Documenting the observation and assessing the client for other signs of complications would be appropriate before informing the healthcare provider.

B. Encourage the client to breathe deeply so the water seal will stabilize: Deep breathing by the client will not stabilize the water seal. The bubbling occurs due to air movement in and out of the pleural space during respiration and is a normal finding.

C. Inform the health care provider that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed: Bubbling in the water seal chamber does not necessarily indicate that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed. The decision to remove a chest tube is based on various factors, including the client's clinical status and resolution of the underlying condition requiring chest drainage.

D. Document that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended: Bubbling in the water seal chamber during client breathing indicates that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended. It is an expected finding and does not typically require intervention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This result shows a slightly elevated PaCO2, which could suggest respiratory compensation for a metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, as the pH is within the normal range.
B. This result indicates both a low pH and an elevated PaCO2, which are consistent with respiratory acidosis. The low HCO3 also suggests a metabolic acidosis component, making it the best match for a client with acidosis.

C. The elevated pH indicates alkalosis. The low PaCO2 and high HCO3 further suggest a primary respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation.
D. These values are within normal limits, indicating neither acidosis nor alkalosis.

A. Instruct the client to avoid high-potassium foods. B. Redraw the potassium to verify results. C. Check the client's blood pressure. D. Obtain a serum sodium level.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Instruct the client to avoid high-potassium foods: While important for long-term management, it is not the priority when the client is experiencing hyperkalemia, as immediate interventions are necessary to prevent complications.

B. Redraw the potassium to verify results: Redrawing the potassium may be necessary if there is concern about sample contamination or if the result is significantly different from what is expected. However, it is not the priority when the client is at risk of complications from hyperkalemia.

C. Check the client's blood pressure: This is the priority action because hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, including potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Checking the blood pressure helps assess the client's cardiovascular status and any potential effects of hyperkalemia on cardiac function.

D. Obtain a serum sodium level: While monitoring electrolyte levels is important in ESRD, sodium levels are not the priority when the client is experiencing hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium and managing its effects take precedence.

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A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube and observes the water level in the water seal bubbling as the client breathes. How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding?

Nursing Test Bank

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