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. Oral mucosa:

The oral mucosa, including the inside of the mouth, tongue, and lips, is a reliable indicator of cyanosis. Cyanosis appears as a bluish discoloration of these tissues due to decreased oxygen saturation in the arterial blood. Assessing the oral mucosa is an essential component of clinical examination, especially in patients with respiratory conditions like asthma, as it provides valuable information about oxygenation status.

B. Tip of the nose:

While the tip of the nose may exhibit cyanosis in some cases, it is not considered as reliable of an indicator as the oral mucosa. The nasal tip is more susceptible to external factors such as cold temperatures or poor circulation, which can cause temporary discoloration. Therefore, it may not always accurately reflect the oxygenation status of the patient compared to the oral mucosa.

C. Ear lobes:

Cyanosis may be observed in the ear lobes in cases of severe hypoxemia, but it is not as reliable of an indicator as the oral mucosa. The ear lobes are less commonly assessed for cyanosis compared to other areas such as the lips, nail beds, or oral mucosa. While cyanosis may be present in the ear lobes, it is not typically the primary site assessed for oxygenation status.

D. Eyelids:

Cyanosis is not typically observed in the eyelids and is not considered a reliable indicator of hypoxemia. The eyelids are not commonly assessed for cyanosis during clinical examinations. While the conjunctiva (the lining inside the eyelids) may appear pale in cases of severe anemia, it is not a specific sign of hypoxemia. Assessment of the oral mucosa, lips, and nail beds is preferred for evaluating oxygenation status in patients with respiratory conditions like asthma.

A. Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%

In an older adult client with a pneumothorax, the nurse could expect to observe lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%. A pneumothorax involves the accumulation of air in the pleural space, which can compress the lung and impair gas exchange, leading to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Decreased oxygen saturations would be a common finding in this condition.

B. Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99%

Higher oxygen saturations would be less likely in a client with a pneumothorax due to impaired gas exchange resulting from lung compression. Oxygen saturations are more likely to be lower in this condition, as indicated in option A.

C. Lower energy expenditure

While a pneumothorax may cause discomfort and dyspnea, which could potentially decrease energy expenditure due to reduced activity levels, it is not a direct physiological effect of the condition. Energy expenditure would depend on various factors, including the severity of symptoms and the individual's overall health status.

D. Increased lung capacity

A pneumothorax typically results in a decrease in lung capacity rather than an increase. The accumulation of air in the pleural space causes partial or complete collapse of the affected lung, reducing its ability to expand and decreasing overall lung capacity. Therefore, increased lung capacity would not be expected in a client with a pneumothorax.