Following a motor vehicle accident, a client with chest trauma receives a chest tube to relieve a hemothorax. Two hours following the chest tube insertion, the nurse observes the water level in the water-seal chamber is rising during inspiration and falling during expiration. Which action should the nurse implement?
Lift and clear drainage from the chest tube.
Inspect the tube insertion site for leaking.
Continue to monitor the drainage system.
Auscultate lungs for unequal breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Lifting and clearing drainage from the chest tube is not necessary, as the water level fluctuations indicate that the chest tube is functioning properly and allowing air and fluid to escape from the pleural space.
Choice B reason: Inspecting the tube insertion site for leaking is not indicated, as there is no evidence of air leak in the water-seal chamber. An air leak would cause continuous or intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
Choice C reason: Continuing to monitor the drainage system is the best action for the nurse to implement, as the water level fluctuations are normal and expected in a water-seal drainage system. The water level should rise during inspiration and fall during expiration, reflecting the changes in intrathoracic pressure.

Choice D reason: Auscultating lungs for unequal breath sounds is not relevant, as it does not address the question of what to do with the water level fluctuations. Unequal breath sounds may indicate a pneumothorax or atelectasis, which are complications of chest trauma or chest tube insertion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Canned vegetables with additional table salt are not a good choice for someone with cholecystitis, because they are high in sodium, which can increase fluid retention and inflammation. However, this choice is not eliminated by the client, so it does not indicate successful teaching.
Choice B reason: Pasta with herbal butter and no meat sauce is a good choice for someone with cholecystitis, because it is low in fat and protein, which can trigger gallbladder contractions and pain. This choice is not eliminated by the client, so it does not indicate successful teaching.
Choice C reason: Citrus fruit and melon with a salt substitute are also good choices for someone with cholecystitis, because they are high in vitamin C and water, which can help dissolve gallstones and prevent infection. This choice is not eliminated by the client, so it does not indicate successful teaching.
Choice D reason: Whole milk and daily servings of ice cream are bad choices for someone with cholecystitis, because they are high in fat and cholesterol, which can worsen gallbladder inflammation and increase the risk of gallstone formation. This choice is eliminated by the client, so it indicates successful teaching.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: An abdominal catheter is used for peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis. Hemodialysis requires access to a large blood vessel, usually in the arm or leg.
Choice B reason: Routine medications may need to be adjusted or avoided before or after hemodialysis, depending on their effects on blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolytes.
Choice C reason: Insulin dosage may need to be reduced during hemodialysis because insulin is removed by the dialyzer and blood glucose levels may drop. This is the correct statement to include in client education.
Choice D reason: Potassium-rich foods should be limited in the diet of clients with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis, because potassium can build up in the blood and cause cardiac arrhythmias.
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