A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube in place following a thoracotomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Empty the drainage container every 4 hr.

Change the client's insertion-site dressing each shift.

Clamp the chest tube when the client is ambulating.

Place the drainage unit below the client's chest level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect action, because emptying the drainage container every 4 hr is not necessary and can interfere with the accurate measurement of the drainage volume. The drainage container should be emptied only when it is full or at the end of the shift.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action, because changing the client's insertion-site dressing each shift can increase the risk of infection and dislodgment of the chest tube. The insertion-site dressing should be changed only when it is soiled or loose.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect action, because clamping the chest tube when the client is ambulating can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication of chest tube insertion. The chest tube should be clamped only when ordered by the provider or when changing the drainage system.

Choice D reason: This is the correct action, because placing the drainage unit below the client's chest level can facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space by gravity. The drainage unit should be kept below the client's chest level at all times.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect finding, because Kussmaul respirations are a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that occurs when the blood glucose is too high, not too low. Kussmaul respirations are deep and rapid breathing that help the body eliminate excess carbon dioxide and acid.

Choice B reason: This is the correct finding, because diaphoresis is a sign of hypoglycemia, which is a condition that occurs when the blood glucose is too low. Diaphoresis is excessive sweating that results from the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of epinephrine, which stimulate the body to increase the blood glucose level.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect finding, because decreased skin turgor is a sign of dehydration, which is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that occurs when the blood glucose is too high, not too low. Decreased skin turgor is a loss of elasticity and firmness of the skin that results from the loss of fluid and electrolytes through the urine and the skin.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect finding, because ketonuria is a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that occurs when the blood glucose is too high, not too low. Ketonuria is the presence of ketones in the urine, which are acidic substances that are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy due to the lack of insulin.

A. Have the client gently blow clots from his nose every 5 min B. Instruct the client to sit with his head hyperextended C. Apply ice compresses to the back of the client’s neck D. Pinch the soft portion of the client’s nose for 10 min

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Having the client gently blow clots from his nose every 5 min is an incorrect action, because it can increase the bleeding and trauma to the nasal mucosa. The client should avoid blowing or picking his nose.

Choice B reason: Instructing the client to sit with his head hyperextended is an incorrect action, because it can cause the blood to drain into the throat and increase the risk of aspiration or vomiting. The client should sit with his head tilted forward.

Choice C reason: Applying ice compresses to the back of the client’s neck is an incorrect action, because it has no effect on the bleeding site. The nurse should apply ice compresses to the bridge of the nose or the cheeks to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the bleeding.

Choice D reason: Pinching the soft portion of the client’s nose for 10 min is a correct action, because it applies direct pressure to the bleeding site and allows clot formation. The nurse should instruct the client to breathe through his mouth and avoid swallowing the blood.

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A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube in place following a thoracotomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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