A nurse is caring for a client who has a three-chamber chest tube system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Ensure 2 cm (0.8 in) of water is in the water seal chamber.
Check the patency of the tubing every 2 hr.
Keep the drainage system above the level of the client's chest.
Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Ensure 2 cm (0.8 in) of water is in the water seal chamber. This is correct because maintaining the correct water level in the water seal chamber is essential for proper functioning of the chest tube system, as it prevents air from entering the pleural space.
B. Check the patency of the tubing every 2 hr. This is incorrect because continuous monitoring is required, and patency should be ensured at all times, not just at set intervals. However, frequent assessments are important.
C. Keep the drainage system above the level of the client's chest. This is incorrect because the drainage system should be kept below chest level to allow gravity drainage and prevent backflow into the pleural space.
D. Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr. This is incorrect because the collection chamber should only be emptied when full, following facility protocol, to maintain an accurate record of drainage output.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A client who has heart failure and received furosemide IV 8 hr ago:
Clients with heart failure require ongoing monitoring for fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and signs of worsening symptoms. IV furosemide indicates active treatment, so this client is not stable for discharge.
B. A client who was admitted 24 hr ago with chest pain:
A client with recent chest pain requires further evaluation for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Even if pain has resolved, monitoring for cardiac events is essential. This client is not stable for discharge.
C. A client who had a seizure 48 hr ago and is on seizure precautions:
Recent seizures require continued monitoring to assess for recurrence, medication adjustments, and safety precautions. This client is not stable for discharge.
D. A client who is scheduled to have a colonoscopy in 12 hr:
A colonoscopy is an elective procedure and does not require hospitalization. This client is stable and can be discharged to free up resources for mass casualty victims.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Did anything in particular make you feel this way?" Understanding the cause of the client’s feelings is important, but assessing for immediate safety takes priority.
B. "Would you tell me more about the changes you see in your body?" Exploring the client’s perception of aging is useful, but it does not address potential risk for self-harm.
C. "Do you ever think about harming yourself?" This is the priority assessment question because feelings of worthlessness can indicate depression, which increases the risk of suicide in older adults. Assessing for self-harm ensures immediate safety.
D. "How long have you had these feelings of uselessness?" Identifying the duration of these feelings is relevant, but it is secondary to determining whether the client is at risk for self-harm.
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