A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is scheduled to have a colonoscopy in 1 week. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Clamp the chest tube every 4 hr: Routine clamping of a chest tube is not recommended, as it can lead to tension pneumothorax by trapping air in the pleural space. Clamping is only done briefly and for specific reasons, such as system checks or before removal.

B. Place the client in a supine position: The supine position can impair lung expansion and hinder drainage from the pleural space. Clients with a chest tube are best positioned in semi-Fowler’s or high-Fowler’s to promote ventilation and facilitate drainage.

C. Ensure the device is kept below the level of the client's chest: Keeping the drainage system below chest level promotes gravity-assisted drainage and prevents backflow of air or fluid into the pleural space, which could compromise lung re-expansion.

D. Empty the collection chamber every 8 hr: The collection chamber is not emptied; it is replaced when full. Opening the system introduces infection risk and disrupts the closed drainage system necessary for maintaining negative pressure.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.