A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube in place to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client’s lung has expanded?

The correct answer is: a. Development of subcutaneous emphysema

Choice A: Development of subcutaneous emphysema

Reason: Subcutaneous emphysema occurs when air gets trapped under the skin, often due to a leak from the lung or chest tube. This can indicate a serious complication such as a pneumothorax or a malfunctioning chest tube, requiring immediate medical intervention. The presence of subcutaneous emphysema can lead to discomfort, respiratory distress, and further complications if not addressed promptly.

Choice B: Chest tube eyelets not visible

Reason: The eyelets of a chest tube are small holes at the end of the tube that allow air and fluid to drain from the pleural space. These eyelets are typically covered by a dressing and may not be visible. This is not necessarily a cause for concern unless there are other signs of malfunction or complications.

Choice C: Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber

Reason: Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected and indicates that the suction is functioning properly. It does not indicate a problem unless the bubbling is in the water seal chamber, which would suggest an air leak.

Choice D: Presence of tidal fluctuation in the water seal chamber

Reason: Tidal fluctuation, or tidaling, in the water seal chamber is a normal finding. It indicates that the chest tube is patent and functioning correctly, as the water level rises with inhalation and falls with exhalation. The absence of tidaling could indicate a blockage or that the lung has fully re-expanded.

Choice A reason: Budesonide via dry powder inhaler is not a suitable medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. It is taken daily as a maintenance therapy and does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

Choice B reason: Cromolyn via metered dose inhaler is not an effective medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that helps to prevent the release of inflammatory mediators that cause asthma symptoms. It is taken daily as a preventive therapy and does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

Choice C reason: Albuterol via jet nebulizer is a recommended medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Albuterol is a short acting beta 2 agonist that helps to relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve breathing. It is taken as needed as a rescue therapy and works quickly to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.

Choice D reason: Montelukast orally is not a preferred medication for an acute asthma exacerbation. Montelukast is a leukotriene modifier that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks and exercise induced bronchoconstriction. It is taken once a day as an adjunctive therapy and does not work quickly enough to relieve the symptoms of an acute asthma exacerbation.