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. “Because most of my colon is still intact and functioning, my stool will be formed.” B. “My stoma will appear large at first, but it will shrink over time.” C. “My colostomy will begin to function 2 to 6 days after surgery.” D. “My diet will have to change to a soft diet after surgery.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is a correct statement, because the stool consistency depends on the location of the colostomy. A sigmoid colostomy is located in the lower part of the colon, where most of the water is absorbed, so the stool will be formed.

Choice B reason: This is a correct statement, because the stoma size will decrease as the swelling subsides and the wound heals. The stoma will reach its final size in about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Choice C reason: This is a correct statement, because the colostomy function will resume gradually after surgery, depending on the bowel motility and the presence of gas or stool. The colostomy will usually start to function 2 to 6 days after surgery.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect statement, because the diet does not have to change to a soft diet after surgery. The client can resume a normal diet as tolerated, unless there are specific dietary restrictions or recommendations from the provider. A soft diet may be recommended only for the first few days after surgery, to avoid bowel obstruction or irritation.

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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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