A nurse is caring for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: No fluctuations in the water seal chamber. This finding indicates that the lung has expanded and there is no more air leaking from the pleural space. Fluctuations in the water seal chamber are normal when the client breathes, but they should stop when the lung is fully expanded.

Choice B reason: No reports of pleuritic chest pain. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as pleuritic chest pain can be caused by other factors, such as inflammation or infection of the pleura. Pleuritic chest pain is a sharp pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.

Choice C reason: Occasional bubbling in the water seal chamber. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as occasional bubbling can be normal or due to a small air leak. Continuous bubbling, however, indicates a large air leak and requires immediate attention.

Choice D reason: Oxygen saturation of 95%. This finding does not indicate that the lung has expanded, as oxygen saturation can be normal or high even with a collapsed lung. Oxygen saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound to oxygen in the blood.

Choice A reason: Placing suction equipment at the client’s bedside is a necessary action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. It can also affect the adjacent cranial nerves, such as the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and the vagus (CN X) nerves, which are involved in swallowing and gagging. A client with acoustic neuroma may have difficulty swallowing and clearing secretions, which can increase the risk of aspiration and respiratory infections. The nurse should have suction equipment ready to remove any excess saliva or mucus from the client’s mouth or throat.

Choice B reason: Avoiding the use of warm water to wash the client’s face is not a relevant action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. The temperature of the water does not affect the function of these nerves or the tumor. The nurse should use gentle and appropriate hygiene measures to clean the client’s face and prevent skin breakdown.

Choice C reason: Providing range of motion exercises to the client’s neck and shoulders is not a priority action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Range of motion exercises can help to maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness, but they are not directly related to the cranial nerve impairment or the tumor. The nurse should consult with a physical therapist to determine the best exercise regimen for the client.

Choice D reason: Applying an eye patch to the client’s right eye is not a helpful action for the nurse to take for a client who has right sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. An eye patch is used to protect the eye from injury or infection, or to treat conditions such as strabismus or amblyopia. An eye patch does not affect the function of the cranial nerves IX and X or the tumor. The nurse should monitor the client’s eye movements and vision, as acoustic neuroma can also affect the facial (CN VII) and oculomotor (CN III) nerves, which are involved in blinking and eye movement.