A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The nurse should intervene for which of the following observations?
Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber
Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber
Bloody drainage in the collection chamber
The Correct Answer is B
A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal as it indicates that the suction is active and functioning as intended. The chamber should have steady bubbling when suction is applied.
B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber is abnormal and indicates a potential air leak. The water-seal chamber should only bubble intermittently with respiratory effort or changes in pressure; constant bubbling suggests that air is being introduced into the system, which could indicate a malfunction or an air leak at the insertion site or along the tubing.
C. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber are normal and should be observed, especially with breathing. The fluid levels will rise with inspiration and fall with expiration, reflecting the changes in pressure within the pleural space.
D. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected immediately after surgery, particularly in the early postoperative period. It may be a sign of surgical site drainage, but if it becomes excessive or persists, further assessment is required. However, a small amount of blood in the collection chamber initially is not abnormal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increase carbohydrate intake.: This is incorrect. Cushing’s disease is characterized by excessive cortisol, which can lead to increased blood glucose levels, making carbohydrate intake less desirable. Clients with Cushing's disease often need to manage their blood sugar levels, so they should not increase carbohydrates indiscriminately.
B. Limit intake of potassium-rich foods.: This is incorrect. In Cushing’s disease, elevated cortisol levels can lead to potassium depletion, so clients should actually increase their intake of potassium-rich foods to help counteract the effects of low potassium, not limit them.
C. Restrict sodium intake.: This is correct. Cushing’s disease often results in fluid retention and hypertension due to increased cortisol and aldosterone levels. Restricting sodium helps manage these symptoms and reduces the risk of complications such as edema and high blood pressure.
D. Decrease protein intake.: This is incorrect. While protein breakdown is a feature of Cushing's disease, protein intake should not necessarily be decreased. Adequate protein intake is important to prevent muscle wasting, a common issue in clients with Cushing’s disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Visual deterioration is not typically associated with nasal drainage following a hypophysectomy unless the optic nerves or structures are affected during surgery.
B. Diabetes is not related to the glucose content in the nasal drainage; it's unrelated to this situation.
C. The presence of glucose in the drainage indicates a possible cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, as CSF contains glucose. A CSF leak increases the risk of meningitis due to the direct connection to the central nervous system.
D. Hypoglycemia is not associated with the glucose content of drainage fluid. This is more relevant to blood glucose levels.
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