A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a pleural chest tube with a closed drainage system. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend for the client's care?
Maintain 30 ml sterile water in the drainage collection chamber
Place the drainage device level with the tube insertion site
Keep system tubing connections taped together.
Empty the drainage collection chamber every 4 hr.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Maintain 30 ml sterile water in the drainage collection chamber: The sterile water is maintained in the water-seal chamber, not the drainage collection chamber. The water-seal chamber typically holds about 2 cm of water to create a one-way valve preventing air from entering the pleural space, not 30 mL in the drainage area.
B. Place the drainage device level with the tube insertion site: The drainage device should always be kept below the level of the chest tube insertion site to allow gravity to assist drainage and to prevent backflow of fluid or air into the pleural cavity, which could cause complications.
C. Keep system tubing connections taped together: Taping the system tubing connections securely helps maintain a closed system, preventing accidental disconnections that could lead to air leaks or loss of the negative pressure needed for proper lung re-expansion. This is essential for the effectiveness of chest tube management.
D. Empty the drainage collection chamber every 4 hr: The drainage collection chamber is not emptied routinely. Instead, it is replaced when full or according to facility protocol. Frequent opening of the system increases the risk of introducing infection or losing the closed negative-pressure system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I will empty the pouch every 2 to 3 hours.": While it is important to empty the pouch when it is about one-third to half full, emptying it every 2 to 3 hours is unnecessary unless output is extremely high. Frequent emptying is based on the volume of stool, not strict timing.
B. "I will no longer be able to eat nuts.": Clients with a sigmoid colostomy typically resume a normal diet after healing, including nuts, unless otherwise instructed. Nuts are more commonly restricted after ileostomies due to the risk of obstruction, not sigmoid colostomies.
C. "I should expect my stool to be unformed.": Stool from a sigmoid colostomy is usually formed or semi-formed because it comes from the end of the colon where water absorption has mostly occurred. Unformed stool is more characteristic of ileostomies.
D. "I will notify my doctor if the stoma starts to look purple.": A healthy stoma should appear pink to red and moist. A purple, dark, or dusky stoma indicates impaired blood flow or ischemia and requires immediate medical evaluation to prevent serious complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is not typically a direct indicator of unrelieved pain. It could suggest neurological or throat-related issues rather than being a primary symptom associated with inadequate pain control.
B. Constipation: Constipation is a common postoperative complication, often related to anesthesia, immobility, or opioid use. While it is important to address, it does not directly reflect the client's current pain level or effectiveness of pain management.
C. Urinary retention: Urinary retention can occur due to anesthesia effects, pelvic surgery, or opioid administration. Although it is a significant postoperative concern, it is not a reliable or direct indicator of unrelieved pain.
D. Restlessness: Restlessness is a common sign of unrelieved pain, particularly in postoperative clients. When clients are uncomfortable or in significant pain, they may appear restless, anxious, or unable to remain still, signaling the need for further pain assessment and intervention.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
