A nurse is assisting with the care of a client.

Exhibits

Data Collection Findings.

For each data collection finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with: ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn's disease.

Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

Clamp chest tube when client ambulates. Contraindicated. Clamping the chest tube can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition. The chest tube should be kept open and patent at all times, unless ordered by the provider for a specific reason. Report burning pain in chest to provider. Indicated.

Burning pain in the chest may indicate an infection, inflammation, or injury to the pleura or lung tissue. The provider should be notified of any changes in the client’s pain or discomfort.

Reinforce dressing around the tube as needed if it loosens. Indicated. The dressing around the chest tube should be kept dry and intact to prevent air leaks and infection. If the dressing becomes loose, wet, or soiled, it should be reinforced with sterile gauze and tape.

Strip the tubing twice daily to ensure patency. Contraindicated. Stripping or milking the tubing can cause increased negative pressure in the chest cavity, which can damage the lung tissue and impair gas exchange. The tubing should be assessed for kinks, clots, or obstructions, and gently tapped or repositioned if needed.

Maintain chest tube below the chest. Indicated. The chest tube should be kept below the level of the chest to facilitate drainage by gravity and prevent backflow of fluid into the pleural space.

Choice A rationale:

In an interprofessional team meeting for a client, it is essential to include information about changes in the client's condition or any new developments that may impact their care. The statement that "The client has developed difficulty ambulating" is relevant as it indicates a change in the client's mobility status and may require additional interventions or assessments.

Choice B rationale:

The timing of the client's next dressing change (scheduled in 4 hr) is important information but may not be the highest priority to discuss in an interprofessional team meeting. It is more pertinent to focus on the client's current condition and any changes that have occurred.

Choice C rationale:

The client's health insurance status (state-sponsored health insurance) is not typically a central topic of discussion in an interprofessional team meeting unless it directly affects the client's care plan or access to specific treatments.

Choice D rationale:

The frequency of the client's vital sign checks (every 8 hr) is important information for the healthcare team to be aware of, but it may not be the most critical piece of information to include in the interprofessional team meeting. Changes in vital signs or trends would be more relevant to discuss.