A nurse is monitoring a client who has diabetes mellitus and a glucose level of 384 mg/dl. (74 to 106 mg/dL). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of metabolic acidosis?

Choice A Reason:
Replace the unit when the drainage chamber is full is correct. Regularly emptying the drainage chamber when it becomes full is essential to ensure the drainage system functions properly and continues to effectively remove fluids or air from the chest cavity.

Choice B Reason:
Clamp the tube for 30 min every 8 hr. is incorrect.
Clamping a chest tube without a specific medical order or indication can lead to complications such as a buildup of pressure within the chest cavity or potential damage to the lungs. It's generally not a routine action to clamp the tube without proper instruction.

Choice C Reason:
Pin the tubing to the client's bed sheets is incorrect. Pinning the tubing to the bed sheets can cause tension on the chest tube, leading to accidental dislodgment or obstruction. The tubing should be secured but not pinned to prevent inadvertent movement.

Choice D Reason:
Monitor for at least 150 mL of drainage every hour is incorrect. There isn't a standard or prescribed amount of drainage that should occur hourly. The nurse should monitor the drainage rate and characteristics but shouldn't expect a specific volume within a set timeframe. Monitoring for excessive or decreased drainage and changes in characteristics is crucial, but an hourly volume expectation isn't appropriate.

Choice A Reason:

Elevate the head of the client's bed for 1 hr. after the feeding is appropriate. This action helps minimize the risk of aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed (typically at least 30 to 45 degrees) can reduce the chance of reflux and aspiration of the feeding solution into the lungs. This position should ideally be maintained for about 1 hour after the feeding to aid digestion and reduce the risk of complications.

Choice B Reason:

Administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature is inappropriate. Feeding solutions are generally administered at room temperature or slightly warmed to prevent discomfort and minimize the risk of altering the client's core body temperature. Cold temperatures can cause discomfort or cramping and might affect the absorption of the nutrients. Therefore, administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature is not recommended.

Choice C Reason:

Rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day is inappropriate. Rotating the jejunostomy tube is not typically part of routine care. Tube rotation can cause discomfort, irritation, and potential injury to the gastrointestinal tract. Tubes should be secured properly to prevent movement but not rotated unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider for a particular reason, such as checking for proper tube placement.

Choice D Reason:

Flushing the tube with 90 ml of sterile water before and after the feeding is inappropriate.

Flushing the tube with sterile water before and after the feeding helps ensure the patency of the tube and prevents clogging. It's a standard procedure to clear the tube and maintain its function.