A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a chest tube set to continuous suction to relieve a pneumothorax. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Ensure the device is kept below the level of the client's chest.
Clamp the chest tube every 4 hr.
Place the client in a supine position.
Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr.
The Correct Answer is A
Ensuring the device is kept below the level of the client's chest is important to ensure that the drainage system functions properly by allowing the fluid and air to flow downhill. Placing the device below the level of the chest helps facilitate gravity drainage.
Continuous suction is required for proper functioning of the chest tube drainage system. Clamping the chest tube can disrupt the suction and impede the removal of air or fluid from the pleural space. Only in specific circumstances, such as when changing the drainage system or assessing for air leaks, may the healthcare provider request a temporary clamping of the chest tube.
Positioning the client semi-Fowler's, with the head of the bed elevated, can help promote lung expansion and improve oxygenation. The specific positioning may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
The nurse should empty the collection chamber as per the facility's protocol, which typically includes monitoring the drainage and emptying it when it reaches a certain level. Regular emptying of the collection chamber helps maintain proper functioning of the chest tube system and allows for accurate measurement of drainage output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is important for the nurse to educate the client about advance directives, their purpose, and how they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: The nurse should explain to the client that an advance directive is a legally binding document that guides healthcare decisions, and it must be respected and followed by healthcare providers.
Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: The nurse should ensure that the client's advance directives status is accurately documented in the medical record and communicated to other members of the healthcare team during shift handoffs. This helps ensure that the client's wishes are known and respected by all involved in their care.
Initiate a power of attorney for health care document: The nurse can assist the client in initiating a power of attorney for healthcare document if the client wishes to appoint someone as their healthcare proxy or agent. This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so.
The other options listed are not appropriate or accurate in relation to the responsibilities of the nurse regarding advance directives:
Document that the provider discussed-do-not-resuscitate status with the client: While discussing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status may be part of the advance care planning process, it is not directly related to advance directives as a whole.
Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: This statement is incorrect and misleading. An advance directive does not automatically discontinue care but rather guides the provision of care according to the client's wishes.
Correct Answer is ["C"]
Explanation
A. Create an opening on the skin barrier that is 1.27 cm (0.5 in) larger than the client's stoma.The opening on the skin barrier should be cut to fit closely around the stoma, approximately 0.3-0.6 cm (1/8 to 1/4 inch) larger than the stoma size. A larger opening (like 0.5 inches) could expose too much surrounding skin, increasing the risk of skin irritation from contact with the stoma's effluent.
B. Use a moisturizing soap to clean the skin around the client's stoma.Moisturizing soaps should be avoided because they can leave a residue on the skin, which may interfere with the adhesion of the ostomy appliance. The skin around the stoma should be cleaned with mild soap and water, or water alone, and then dried thoroughly before applying the new appliance.
C. Empty the client's ostomy pouch before removing the skin barrier.Emptying the ostomy pouch before removing the skin barrier is a practical step to reduce spillage of stool during the appliance change, making the process cleaner and easier to manage. It also minimizes the risk of contamination of the surrounding area or wound.
D. Change the client's ostomy appliance 1 hour after breakfast.Ostomy appliances are best changed when the bowel is least active, which is usually before a meal or several hours after eating. Changing the appliance shortly after a meal, such as 1 hour after breakfast, may result in more stoma output, making it harder to manage the appliance change.
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