A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube. The client asks why the fluid in the water-seal chamber rises and falls.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"This indicates a possible air leak.".
"This means your lung is fully re-expanded.".
"Your breathing pattern causes this.".
"Suction pressure that is too high causes this.".
The Correct Answer is C

The fluctuation of fluid in the water-seal chamber of a chest tube is known as tidaling and is caused by the changes in pressure within the chest during respiration.
Choice A is not correct because tidaling does not indicate an air leak.
Choice B is not correct because tidaling does not necessarily mean that the lung is fully re-expanded.
Choice D is not correct because suction pressure does not cause tidaling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“Fluid volume excess.” Bounding pulses, crackles on auscultation, and pink frothy secretions when receiving suctioning are all signs of fluid volume excess.
Fluid volume excess can occur when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to build up in the lungs.
Choice A is not the correct answer because the increased cardiac output would not cause these symptoms.
Choice B is not the correct answer because pleural effusion refers to a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity, which would not cause these symptoms.
Choice D is not the correct answer because aspiration refers to the inhalation of food, liquid, or other substances into the lungs, which would not cause these symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Back pain.
Choice A reason: Back pain during a blood transfusion is a classic symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. This type of reaction occurs when the immune system attacks the transfused red blood cells, leading to their destruction. Back pain is considered a more specific and early sign of this reaction.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions. The normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is usually considered when the heart rate is lower than 60 beats per minute in a resting adult. It can be a sign of a well-trained athlete or can occur as a result of certain medications or heart conditions, but it is not a recognized symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Choice C reason: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also not a common symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is typically defined as having a blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg. While hypertension can be a serious condition, it is not indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Choice D reason: Chills are a symptom that can be associated with a hemolytic transfusion reaction, often occurring alongside fever and back pain. However, while chills can indicate a reaction, back pain is a more specific symptom that can help differentiate a hemolytic reaction from other types of transfusion reactions.

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