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 A

Explanation

A. Check an apical pulse: Digoxin is known to cause toxicity, which can manifest as nausea, weakness, and anorexia. Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse's first action should be to assess the client's apical pulse rate to determine if there are any signs of bradycardia, which could indicate digoxin toxicity.

B. Request a dietitian consult: While nutrition is important, the client's symptoms of nausea and weakness need immediate attention to rule out digoxin toxicity before considering dietary interventions.

C. Request an order for an antiemetic: Administering an antiemetic may be indicated if the client is experiencing nausea, but it's crucial to assess for digoxin toxicity first, as antiemetics may mask symptoms of toxicity.

D. Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal: Rest may be beneficial for the client, but addressing the potential cause of the symptoms, such as digoxin toxicity, takes priority

A. "I will be placing electrodes on your breasts." B. "I will lower the head of your bed so you can lie flat." C. "Relax and try not to move or speak once I have attached the gel pads." D. "Try to hold your breath until this procedure is complete."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "I will be placing electrodes on your breasts": This statement is incorrect and may cause unnecessary concern or discomfort for the client. Electrodes for a 12-lead electrocardiogram are typically placed on the chest, not the breasts.

B. "I will lower the head of your bed so you can lie flat": This statement may be relevant for certain procedures but is not specific to applying electrode gel pads for a 12-lead electrocardiogram.

C. "Relax and try not to move or speak once I have attached the gel pads": This instruction is essential for obtaining a clear and accurate electrocardiogram recording. Movement or talking during the procedure can interfere with the quality of the tracing.

D. "Try to hold your breath until this procedure is complete": This instruction is unnecessary and could cause discomfort or anxiety for the client. There is no need for the client to hold their breath during a standard electrocardiogram procedure.

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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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is taking digoxin daily. The client refused breakfast and is complaining of nausea and weakness. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client while applying the electrode gel pads?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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