A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Strip the client's chest tube every 2 hours.
Loop the tubing of the chest tube on the client's bed.
Place the chest tube drainage system above the level of the client's heart.
Tape the connections on the client's chest tube.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Stripping the client's chest tube every 2 hours is not a recommended action, as it can cause excessive negative pressure, tissue trauma, and pain. The nurse should only strip the chest tube if there is a clot or obstruction in the tubing, and only with the provider's order.
Choice B reason: Looping the tubing of the chest tube on the client's bed is a correct action, as it prevents kinking, tension, or pulling on the chest tube. The nurse should also secure the tubing to the bed sheet with a safety pin.
Choice C reason: Placing the chest tube drainage system above the level of the client's heart is not a correct action, as it can cause the fluid to flow back into the chest cavity and impair lung expansion. The nurse should place the chest tube drainage system below the level of the client's chest.
Choice D reason: Taping the connections on the client's chest tube is a correct action, as it prevents air leaks, disconnections, or accidental removal of the chest tube. The nurse should also check the connections regularly for tightness and patency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Muscle weakness.
Choice A: Hypertension
Reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function and the nervous system. While potassium imbalances can influence blood pressure, hypertension is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) rather than hypokalemia.
Choice B: Cerebral Edema
Reason: Cerebral edema, which is swelling of the brain, is not a known manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia affects muscle and nerve function, but it does not directly cause cerebral edema. This condition is more related to severe head injuries, infections, or other medical conditions.
Choice C: Muscle Weakness
Reason: Muscle weakness is a common and significant manifestation of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for muscle function, and low levels can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and even paralysis in severe cases. This is because potassium helps in the transmission of nerve signals to muscles, and a deficiency disrupts this process.
Choice D: Hyperactive Bowel Sounds
Reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia can lead to decreased bowel motility, resulting in symptoms like constipation or ileus (a condition where the intestines do not move properly). This is due to the role of potassium in muscle contractions, including those in the digestive tract.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Numbness of fingers is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.
Choice C reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.
Choice D reason: Lethargy is a sign of respiratory acidosis, as it indicates a low level of oxygen and a high level of carbon dioxide in the brain. Lethargy is a state of reduced mental and physical activity, which can progress to confusion, coma, or death if not treated.
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