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. Administer IV morphine.

IV morphine may be indicated to relieve pain and anxiety associated with a pulmonary embolism. However, it is not the priority intervention compared to addressing the client's respiratory distress and hypoxemia with oxygen therapy.

B. Begin oxygen therapy.

The priority intervention for a client who develops a pulmonary embolism is to begin oxygen therapy. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition characterized by a blockage in one or more of the pulmonary arteries, usually due to a blood clot. This blockage can lead to impaired gas exchange and decreased oxygenation of the blood, resulting in hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) and potentially leading to respiratory failure. Administering oxygen therapy promptly helps to improve oxygenation and support vital organ function. Therefore, it is the priority intervention to address the immediate respiratory distress associated with a pulmonary embolism.

C. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer's.

Intravenous fluid administration may be necessary to maintain hemodynamic stability and support perfusion in a client with a pulmonary embolism. However, it is not the priority intervention compared to addressing the client's respiratory distress and hypoxemia with oxygen therapy.

D. Initiate cardiac monitoring.

Cardiac monitoring is important to assess for signs of cardiac compromise or dysrhythmias associated with a pulmonary embolism. However, it is not the priority intervention compared to addressing the client's respiratory distress and hypoxemia with oxygen therapy.

A. Air moves in and out of a wound in the chest wall.

In an open pneumothorax, also known as a sucking chest wound, there is a communication between the pleural space and the external environment through a wound in the chest wall. This allows air to move freely in and out of the pleural cavity during respiration. As a result, there is a loss of negative pressure within the pleural space, impairing lung expansion and leading to respiratory compromise. This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt intervention to prevent tension pneumothorax and respiratory failure.

B. Air cannot pass freely into the thoracic cavity through a chest wound.

In an open pneumothorax, air can pass freely into the thoracic cavity through the chest wound. This communication between the external environment and the pleural space results in air movement in and out of the wound during respiration.

C. There are no audible sounds in an open pneumothorax.

In an open pneumothorax, there may be audible sounds, such as sucking or hissing sounds, particularly during inspiration. These sounds occur due to the movement of air in and out of the chest wound and can be indicative of the condition.

D. The air is trapped when it enters the cavity.

In an open pneumothorax, the air is not trapped when it enters the pleural cavity. Instead, air moves freely in and out of the wound in the chest wall, leading to respiratory compromise and potential progression to tension pneumothorax if left untreated.