A nurse is caring for a client who has a disposable three-chamber chest tube in place. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication?
Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber
Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber
Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the chest tube system, which can compromise the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space and impair lung expansion.
Choice B Reason: Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber is normal and expected, as it indicates that air is being removed from the pleural space.
Choice C Reason: Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber are normal and expected, as they reflect changes in intrathoracic pressure during inspiration and expiration.
Choice D Reason: Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal and expected, as it indicates that suction is being applied to the chest tube system.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because administering a nitrate antihypertensive is not the first action, as it may cause a rapid drop in blood pressure and worsen the client's condition.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because obtaining the client's heart rate is not the first action, as it does not address the cause of autonomic dysreflexia or relieve the symptoms.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because assessing the client for bladder distention is not the first action, as it may take time and delay the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because placing the client in a high-Fowler's position is the first action, as it lowers the blood pressure by promoting venous return and reducing cardiac preload.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, works by creating an osmotic gradient that draws fluid from the brain tissue into the blood vessels, thereby reducing cerebral edema and intracranial pressure.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would decrease, not increase, the cell size in the brain by removing fluid from the intracellular space.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would decrease, not expand, the extracellular fluid volume by increasing the urine output and excreting excess fluid from the body.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because an osmotic diuretic would not provide fluid hydration, but rather cause fluid loss and dehydration.
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