A nurse is caring for a client who is to have his chest tube removed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cover the insertion site with a hydrocolloid dressing.
Provide pain medication immediately after removal.
Auscultate the lungs after removal.
Delegate removal of the chest tube to an assistive personnel (AP).
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect action, because covering the insertion site with a hydrocolloid dressing can prevent air from escaping and cause a subcutaneous emphysema, which is a complication of chest tube removal. The insertion site should be covered with a sterile gauze dressing and taped on three sides.
Choice B reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should provide pain medication before removal, not immediately after, to reduce the discomfort and anxiety of the client.
Choice C reason: This is the correct action, because auscultating the lungs after removal can help assess the respiratory status and detect any signs of pneumothorax, such as diminished or absent breath sounds.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect action, because delegating removal of the chest tube to an AP is beyond the scope of practice and can cause harm to the client. The removal of the chest tube should be performed by the nurse or the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect statement, because the client should avoid any body piercings, tattoos, or other procedures that can cause skin or mucosal trauma and increase the risk of bacterial infection and endocarditis. The client should also seek medical attention if they have a fever or other signs of infection.
Choice B reason: This is a correct statement, because the client should notify their doctor before they have dental procedures, such as cleaning, filling, or extraction, that can cause bleeding and introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. The client may need prophylactic antibiotics to prevent endocarditis.
Choice C reason: This is a partially correct statement, because the client should floss their teeth twice a day as a part of their oral care, but this is not enough to prevent recurrence of endocarditis. The client should also brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal, use an antiseptic mouthwash, and visit their dentist regularly.
Choice D reason: This is an unnecessary statement, because the client does not need to wear a mask when they go out in public, unless they have a respiratory infection or are exposed to someone who has one. Endocarditis is not transmitted by airborne or droplet routes, but by direct contact with the infected heart valves or blood.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Irrigating the catheter with sterile water is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be irrigated with sterile normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to prevent hemolysis of the red blood cells.
Choice B reason: Clamping the drainage catheter during ambulation is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be kept patent and unclamped at all times to prevent obstruction and infection.
Choice C reason: Reporting viscous drainage with clots to the provider is a correct action, because it indicates that the irrigation is not effective and the client may need manual irrigation or surgical intervention.
Choice D reason: Removing the catheter if the client feels a strong urge to urinate is an incorrect action, because the catheter should be left in place until the provider orders its removal. The client may feel a sensation of bladder fullness or spasms due to the irrigation fluid, which can be relieved by medication or adjustment of the flow rate.
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