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 action, because elevating the residual limb on a soft pillow can cause contractures and impair the blood flow to the stump. The residual limb should be elevated only for the first 24 hr after surgery, and then positioned flat on the bed.

Choice B reason: This is the correct action, because assisting the client to a prone position every 4 hr can prevent hip flexion contractures and promote the range of motion of the hip joint. The client should lie prone for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, with the residual limb extended.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect action, because reapplying a bandage to the residual limb every 12 hr can increase the risk of infection and delay the healing of the wound. The bandage should be changed only when it is soiled or loose, and under sterile technique.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect action, because applying dressings to the site in a proximal-to-distal direction can cause edema and impair the circulation to

A. Place compression stockings on the lower extremities. B. Apply cold compresses to the affected extremity. C. Gently massage the area every 4 hr. D. Inform the client that heparin is prescribed to dissolve the thrombus.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the best action, because compression stockings can help improve the blood flow and prevent the formation of new clots in the veins of the legs. Compression stockings can also reduce the swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by thrombophlebitis.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action, because cold compresses can cause vasoconstriction and worsen the blood flow and the clotting process in the affected vein. Cold compresses can also increase the discomfort and numbness of the extremity.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect and dangerous action, because gently massaging the area can dislodge the clot and cause it to travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, resulting in a life-threatening complication, such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or stroke.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect and misleading statement, because heparin is not prescribed to dissolve the thrombus, but to prevent the growth and extension of the existing clot and the formation of new clots. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting factors in the blood, but does not break down the clot. The body's own enzymes, such as plasmin, are responsible for dissolving the clot.

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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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