A nurse is providing a handoff report to the oncoming shift nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure continuity of client care?

A. Milk the chest tube at least three times a day: Milking is generally not recommended as it can increase intrathoracic pressure and damage lung tissue. It should only be done with a provider’s order and specific indication.

B. Empty the drainage collection chamber when full: The collection chamber is a closed system and should not be emptied. When full, the entire drainage unit should be replaced to maintain sterility.

C. Ensure intermittent bubbling is present in the water seal chamber: Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber is expected during expiration or coughing, indicating air leaving the pleural space. However, continuous bubbling may suggest an air leak and requires evaluation.

D. Clamp the chest tube when transferring the client from bed to the chair: Clamping the tube is contraindicated during transport, as it can cause tension pneumothorax. The system should remain unclamped and below chest level.

A. Muscle flaccidity: Hypocalcemia typically causes muscle twitching or spasms, not flaccidity. Muscle flaccidity is more often associated with conditions like hyperkalemia or electrolyte imbalances affecting muscle tone in different ways.

B. Lethargy: Lethargy can occur in various conditions, but it is not a hallmark of hypocalcemia. Instead, hypocalcemia usually causes symptoms like irritability, confusion, and muscle cramps rather than general lethargy.

C. Constipation: Constipation is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels tend to cause neuromuscular and cardiac symptoms rather than gastrointestinal issues like constipation.

D. Positive Chvostek's sign: A positive Chvostek's sign, which is a twitching of the facial muscles when tapping the facial nerve, is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. It indicates increased neuromuscular excitability, which is characteristic of low calcium levels.