Afterload is most accurately described by which of the following?

The correct answer is Choice A

Choice A rationale: Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side indicates a possible tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition. This shift occurs due to the increased pressure on the affected side, pushing the trachea away. Immediate intervention is required.

Choice B rationale: Crepitus, or subcutaneous emphysema, can be a common finding around the chest tube insertion site. It indicates air leakage into the subcutaneous tissue but does not necessarily require immediate notification to the provider unless it is extensive or worsening.

Choice C rationale: Bubbling of the water in the water seal chamber with exhalation is expected and indicates that the chest tube is functioning properly by allowing air to escape from the pleural space. This is a normal finding in pneumothorax management.

Choice D rationale: The visibility of eyelets on the chest tube indicates that the tube is in the correct position within the pleural space. If the eyelets are not visible, it means the tube is not functioning correctly, but this is not as urgent as a tracheal shift.

Choice A reason: Showing the patient that her leg is gone does not address the immediate concern of pain management.

Choice B reason: Administering the prescribed pain medication is the first step in managing phantom pain, which is a common experience for amputees.

Choice C reason: While it is important to validate the patient's experience of pain, the first action should be to address the pain medically.

Choice D reason: Telling the patient that it is not possible to feel pain in her toes is incorrect and dismissive of the phenomenon of phantom pain.