A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client's bedside?

A. The nurse wears an N95 respirator when performing client care: Measles is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. Wearing an N95 respirator provides appropriate respiratory protection for the nurse when caring for a client with measles. This action is appropriate and does not require intervention by the charge nurse.
B. The nurse places the client on airborne precautions: Measles is transmitted via airborne droplets, so placing the client on airborne precautions is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease to others. This action is appropriate and aligns with infection control guidelines.
C. The nurse ensures the client's room maintains a positive airflow: Positive airflow can potentially contribute to the spread of airborne pathogens outside the room, increasing the risk of transmission to others. For clients with airborne infections like measles, negative airflow rooms are required to minimize the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other clients. Therefore, the charge nurse should intervene and correct this action.
D. The nurse has the client wear a mask for transport to radiology: Having the client wear a mask during transport helps minimize the spread of infectious droplets to others in the facility. This action is appropriate and aligns with infection control measures for airborne precautions

A. Wire cutters:
Wire cutters are typically not necessary for postoperative care following a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. They are more commonly used in situations such as removing orthopedic hardware or cutting wires in emergency situations. Therefore, wire cutters are not essential equipment for this particular procedure.

B. Montgomery straps:
Montgomery straps are adhesive strips used to secure dressings or bandages without the need for tape. While they can be useful in some postoperative situations, they are not specifically required for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement.

C. Tracheostomy tray:

A tracheostomy tray contains equipment necessary for performing tracheostomy care, such as sterile gloves, tracheostomy tubes, and suctioning equipment. It is not directly related to thoracotomy or chest tube care post op.

D. Padded clamp:
A padded clamp, or chest tube holder, is a device used to secure chest tubes in place and prevent them from being accidentally dislodged. It is an essential piece of equipment for postoperative care following a thoracotomy with chest tube placement, as it helps maintain the integrity of the chest tubes and prevents complications such as air leaks or pneumothorax.