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?
Clamp the chest tube every 4 hr.
Place the client in a supine position.
Ensure the device is kept below the level of the client's chest.
Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Clamp the chest tube every 4 hr: Routine clamping of a chest tube is not recommended, as it can lead to tension pneumothorax by trapping air in the pleural space. Clamping is only done briefly and for specific reasons, such as system checks or before removal.
B. Place the client in a supine position: The supine position can impair lung expansion and hinder drainage from the pleural space. Clients with a chest tube are best positioned in semi-Fowler’s or high-Fowler’s to promote ventilation and facilitate drainage.
C. Ensure the device is kept below the level of the client's chest: Keeping the drainage system below chest level promotes gravity-assisted drainage and prevents backflow of air or fluid into the pleural space, which could compromise lung re-expansion.
D. Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr: The collection chamber is not emptied; it is replaced when full. Opening the system introduces infection risk and disrupts the closed drainage system necessary for maintaining negative pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","G","H"]
Explanation
Rationale:
• An older adult client is at high risk for delirium due to age-related changes in the brain and reduced physiological reserve. ICU environments and acute illness increase susceptibility in older adults. Age over 65 is a primary risk factor in many validated delirium screening tools.
• Fever and hypotension suggest a systemic infection and possible sepsis, which can impair cerebral perfusion. This can trigger acute confusion or delirium, especially in vulnerable individuals. The combination of infection and low blood pressure disrupts normal brain function.
• Total left hip arthroplasty involves major surgery and potential postoperative complications such as infection or pain. Surgical trauma, anesthesia, and immobility all increase delirium risk. Recent surgery also increases inflammatory cytokine activity affecting cognition.
• Past medical history: Parkinson’s disease is linked to higher delirium risk due to existing neurotransmitter imbalances. The condition often coexists with cognitive decline or medication interactions. Parkinson’s-related brain changes make acute confusion more likely.
• Visual loss without glasses limits sensory input and orientation cues, contributing to perceptual disturbances. Poor vision can lead to misinterpretation of surroundings, promoting hallucinations or paranoia. Environmental disorientation is a key factor in ICU-related delirium.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Use an N95 respirator: N95 respirators are necessary for airborne precautions, such as with tuberculosis or measles. C. difficile is transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces or stool, not airborne particles, so an N95 is not indicated.
B. Initiate contact precautions: Contact precautions are required for C. difficile because it spreads through direct and indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or stool. Gloves and gowns should be worn, and hand hygiene with soap and water is essential to prevent spore transmission.
C. Place the child in a room that has a HEPA filtration system: HEPA filters are used for airborne pathogens or immunocompromised clients, not for enteric infections like C. difficile. This intervention would not reduce transmission risk in this case.
D. Instruct the parents to avoid bringing fresh flowers into the room: This precaution is typically for neutropenic or immunocompromised clients to reduce exposure to potential fungal spores. C. difficile precautions focus on containment of fecal-oral transmission routes, not environmental fungal sources.
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