A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has a chest tube drainage system. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?
Presence of 50 mL/hr in the drainage chamber
Tidaling occurs when the client is breathing
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air
The Correct Answer is C
A. Presence of 50 mL/hr in the drainage chamber: Some drainage after chest tube placement is expected. A rate of 50 mL/hr is within a typical range for postoperative monitoring, especially in the first 24 hours, and does not usually require immediate provider notification unless it increases significantly or becomes bloody.
B. Tidaling occurs when the client is breathing: Tidaling, or the rise and fall of fluid in the water seal chamber with respiration, indicates that the chest tube system is patent and functioning correctly. This is an expected finding and reflects normal intrathoracic pressure changes during breathing.
C. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber suggests an air leak in the system. This is abnormal and requires provider notification because persistent air leaks can impair lung re-expansion, compromise respiratory function, and may indicate malfunction of the system or a worsening pneumothorax.
D. Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air: An oxygen saturation of 92% is slightly below normal but may be expected immediately postoperative or in clients with lung compromise. It requires monitoring and supplemental oxygen if needed, but it is not as urgent as a continuous air leak in the chest tube system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encourage the client to take sips of diluted fruit juice: Offering small amounts of juice may help introduce oral intake gradually, but it is not the first step. Ensuring the client can safely swallow is essential before providing any oral fluids to prevent aspiration and other complications.
B. Give the client a pureed diet: Transitioning to a pureed diet is part of advancing nutrition after confirming that the client can swallow safely. Starting this too early without assessing swallowing ability can increase the risk of choking or aspiration.
C. Check the client's swallowing reflex: Assessing the swallowing reflex is the priority when tapering a client from TPN. Safe oral intake depends on intact swallowing function, and identifying any deficits early prevents aspiration, aspiration pneumonia, or other serious complications during the transition to oral nutrition.
D. Provide the client with a full liquid diet: A full liquid diet is a step in progressing from TPN to oral intake, but it should only be introduced after confirming the client can swallow safely. Skipping the assessment of the swallowing reflex could place the client at risk for airway compromise.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. It does not need to be withheld for a mildly elevated potassium level; in fact, it may help lower potassium levels in hyperkalemia.
B. Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase serum potassium. With a level of 5.2 mEq/L, administering spironolactone could worsen hyperkalemia and increase the risk of cardiac complications, so the dose should be withheld and the provider notified.
C. Metoprolol: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, does not typically raise potassium levels significantly. While beta-blockers can slightly affect potassium, withholding is not indicated solely based on a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L.
D. Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering agent, has no effect on serum potassium levels and does not need to be withheld in this situation. It can be continued safely.
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