A nurse is caring for a client with a tracheostomy. The client’s partner has been taught to perform suctioning. Which of the following actions by the partner should indicate to the nurse a readiness for the client’s discharge?

Choice A rationale
Urinary output is an important postoperative assessment, but it is not the highest priority for a client who has undergone a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Monitoring urinary output helps assess kidney function and fluid balance, but it does not directly address the respiratory status, which is critical in this case. The primary concern after thoracotomy and lobectomy is ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, as the surgery directly impacts the lungs and respiratory function.
Choice B rationale

Pain level is a significant postoperative assessment, as effective pain management is crucial for recovery. However, it is not the highest priority in this scenario. While managing pain is essential to prevent complications such as atelectasis (collapse of part of the lung) due to shallow breathing, the immediate focus should be on assessing and maintaining adequate respiratory function. Pain management can be addressed once the client’s respiratory status is stabilized.
Choice C rationale
Chest tube drainage is a critical postoperative assessment for clients who have undergone thoracotomy and lobectomy. Monitoring chest tube output helps detect complications such as bleeding or pneumothorax (air in the pleural space). However, it is not the highest priority compared to arterial blood gases assessment. While chest tube drainage provides valuable information about the client’s condition, arterial blood gases assessment directly measures the client’s oxygenation and ventilation status, which is paramount in the immediate postoperative period.
Choice D rationale
Arterial blood gases (ABG) assessment is the highest priority for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. ABG analysis provides crucial information about the client’s oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance. This assessment helps detect hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels), and respiratory acidosis, which are critical concerns after lung surgery. Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation is the top priority to prevent respiratory complications and support the client’s recovery.

Choice A rationale
Coronary arteries decrease in diameter leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle. This is correct because atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, causes the arteries to narrow. This narrowing reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to ischemia and the manifestations of coronary artery disease, such as angina and myocardial infarction.
Choice B rationale
Manifestations occur due to dilation of coronary arteries with increased blood flow causing increased pressure. This is incorrect because the primary issue in coronary artery disease is the narrowing of the arteries, not their dilation. Increased blood flow and pressure are not typical causes of the manifestations of coronary artery disease.
Choice C rationale

Coronary arteries become more elastic causing the arteries to stretch as individuals age causing the heart not to receive enough oxygen. This is incorrect because the problem in coronary artery disease is not increased elasticity but rather the loss of elasticity and the buildup of plaque that narrows the arteries. As people age, the arteries tend to become less elastic, not more.
Choice D rationale
The heart and the coronary arteries weaken, leading to poor perfusion and resulting in angina. This is incorrect because the primary issue in coronary artery disease is the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, not the weakening of the heart and arteries. While poor perfusion does result in angina, it is due to the narrowed arteries rather than weakened structures.