A nurse is checking the suction control chamber of a client's chest tube and notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Pigeon

A pigeon chest, also known as pectus carinatum, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs, resulting in a pigeon-like appearance of the chest. This deformity is not typically associated with COPD.

B. Funnel

A funnel chest, also known as pectus excavatum, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a depression or concavity in the sternum, resulting in a funnel-like appearance of the chest. This deformity is not typically associated with COPD.

C. Kyphotic

Kyphosis refers to an exaggerated forward curvature of the thoracic spine, leading to a hunched or rounded upper back. While individuals with severe COPD may develop kyphosis due to chronic respiratory muscle fatigue and increased work of breathing, kyphotic curvature is not specific to COPD and can occur in other conditions as well.

D. Barrel

In COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the client's chest may take on a barrel shape. This is characterized by an increase in the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, resulting in a more rounded appearance similar to that of a barrel. This change in chest shape is due to hyperinflation of the lungs, which occurs as a result of air trapping and increased residual volume in the lungs, common in COPD.

A. Saving the sputum specimen in a clean container.

While it is important to collect the sputum specimen in a clean, sterile container, simply saving the specimen in a clean container is not sufficient. The nurse needs to actively collect the sputum specimen from the client using proper technique to ensure that it is not contaminated and is suitable for laboratory analysis.

B. Collecting the sputum specimen after a meal.

Collecting a sputum specimen after a meal is not recommended, as it can increase the likelihood of contamination with food particles. It's preferable to collect the specimen before meals or at least 1-2 hours after eating to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the integrity of the specimen.

C. Rinse the client's mouth before collecting the specimen.

When obtaining a sputum specimen from a client, it's important for the nurse to plan to rinse the client's mouth before collecting the specimen. Rinsing the mouth with water helps to clear any food particles or debris from the oral cavity, ensuring that the sputum sample collected is not contaminated with saliva or food particles. This improves the quality and accuracy of the specimen for laboratory analysis.

D. Obtaining the specimen from the client in the evening.

The timing of specimen collection is not necessarily restricted to the evening. The timing may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's orders. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the timing of specimen collection, which may be based on factors such as the client's symptoms and the diagnostic requirements.