A nurse is caring for a client who has a closed wound drainage system. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform to assess the amount of drainage?
Mark the drainage output on the collection chamber every 48 hours.
Strip the chest tube vigorously to dislodge blood clots.
Maintain the collection chamber below the client’s chest.
Add water to the water seal chamber as it evaporates.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Marking drainage output every 48 hours is too infrequent to accurately assess drainage in a closed wound drainage system. Frequent monitoring (e.g., every shift) is needed to track output, detect complications like excessive bleeding, and ensure system functionality, making this intervention inadequate for assessment.
Choice B reason: Stripping the chest tube vigorously is not recommended, as it can increase intrathoracic pressure, risking tissue damage or bleeding. It does not assess drainage amount but manipulates the tube, potentially causing harm. Assessment requires observing output in the collection chamber, making this action incorrect.
Choice C reason: Maintaining the collection chamber below the client’s chest ensures proper drainage by gravity in a closed wound drainage system, like a chest tube. This position prevents backflow and allows accurate measurement of drainage output in the chamber, essential for assessing fluid loss and detecting complications like hemothorax.
Choice D reason: Adding water to the water seal chamber maintains system function but does not directly assess drainage amount. The water seal prevents air re-entry, not measures output. Assessment involves observing and recording drainage in the collection chamber, making this action irrelevant to the question’s focus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Attaching restraints to movable side rails is unsafe, as rail movement can cause injury or loosen restraints. They should be secured to the bed frame, a fixed structure, so this guideline is incorrect and dangerous for restraint protocols.
Choice B reason: Documenting the client’s condition every 15 minutes ensures frequent monitoring for safety, circulation, and skin integrity, per CMS and Joint Commission standards. This prevents complications and supports timely restraint removal, making it the correct guideline.
Choice C reason: Requesting PRN restraint prescriptions is inappropriate, as restraints require specific, time-limited orders based on immediate need. PRN orders lack oversight and risk misuse, so this guideline is incorrect and non-compliant with regulations.
Choice D reason: Applying restraints over clothing can cause discomfort or skin irritation, as direct skin contact with padding is preferred for safety. This guideline is incorrect, as proper application minimizes harm, making it inappropriate for protocols.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Supplementing breastfeedings with water every 12 hours is not advised for newborns, as breast milk provides complete hydration and nutrition. Water can reduce milk intake, decreasing supply due to reduced demand. It risks electrolyte imbalances, like hyponatremia, in infants with immature kidneys. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months supports optimal growth, immune function, and maternal-infant bonding, making this recommendation inappropriate.
Choice B reason: Offering the breast at hunger cues, such as rooting or hand-sucking, supports demand-driven breastfeeding, which stimulates prolactin and oxytocin for milk production. This ensures adequate supply, promotes healthy weight gain, and aligns with the infant’s natural feeding rhythm. It prevents over- or under-feeding, fostering neonatal development and strengthening the maternal-infant bond, making this the correct advice.
Choice C reason: Limiting feeding to 10 minutes per breast can prevent adequate hindmilk transfer, which is high in fat and calories, essential for growth. Short sessions may reduce milk supply due to insufficient stimulation. Infants need variable feeding times to meet nutritional needs. This restriction risks poor weight gain and inadequate nutrition, indicating it’s not a suitable recommendation.
Choice D reason: Starting each feeding with the same breast can cause imbalanced milk production, as one breast may be understimulated, reducing overall supply. Alternating breasts ensures both are drained, supporting balanced lactation and preventing engorgement or mastitis. This practice maintains milk supply via prolactin release, making this advice incorrect for optimal breastfeeding.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.