A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason: This choice is correct because respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the lungs cannot eliminate enough carbon dioxide (CO2) from the blood, resulting in a high level of CO2 (PaCO2) and a low level of pH. A normal PaCO2 range is 35 to 45 mm Hg, so a value of 50 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because HCO3 (bicarbonate) is a base that helps to buffer the excess acid in the blood. In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys try to compensate by retaining more HCO3 and excreting more hydrogen ions. Therefore, a high level of HCO3 (above 26 mEq/L) would indicate a chronic or compensated respiratory acidosis, not an acute or uncompensated one.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. A normal pH range is 7.35 to 7.45, so a value of 7.45 indicates a neutral or slightly alkaline blood, not an acidic one. A low pH (below 7.35) would indicate respiratory acidosis.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate the nerve and muscle function, as well as the fluid balance in the body. In respiratory acidosis, the increased hydrogen ions in the blood may shift into the cells in exchange for potassium, resulting in a high level of potassium (hyperkalemia).

Therefore, a low level of potassium (below 3.5 mEq/L) would indicate hypokalemia, not respiratory acidosis.

Choice A Reason: Observing for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site is important, but not the first action that the nurse should take. CSF leaks can indicate a breach in the dura mater, which can increase the risk of infection and meningitis. The nurse should inspect the dressing and the nose and ears for any clear or bloody drainage, and report any findings to the provider. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.

Choice B Reason: Checking the oximeter is also important, but not the first action that the nurse should take. The oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which reflects the adequacy of gas exchange in the lungs. The nurse should maintain the oxygen saturation above 90%, and administer supplemental oxygen as prescribed.

However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.

Choice C Reason: Assessing for an increase in temperature is another important action, but not the first one that the nurse should take. An increase in temperature can indicate an infection, inflammation, or damage to the hypothalamus, which can affect the thermoregulation of the body. The nurse should monitor the temperature and administer antipyretics as prescribed. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.

Choice D Reason: Monitoring for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure is the first action that the nurse should take. Increased intracranial pressure can result from bleeding, swelling, or fluid accumulation in the brain, which can compress and damage brain tissue and blood vessels. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, pupillary changes, or Cushing's triad (bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations). The nurse should also intervene to prevent or reduce increased intracranial pressure, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining normothermia, and administering osmotic diuretics. Monitoring for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure is essential to prevent further brain injury and preserve neurological function.