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 C
Explanation
Choice A: A headache rated at 0 on 0 to 10 scale is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of an antihistamine. A headache may be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, stress, or sinus congestion.
Choice B: Oxygen saturation level of 99% is a normal finding and does not reflect the effect of an antihistamine. Oxygen saturation measures the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be affected by respiratory conditions, altitude, or smoking.
Choice C: Ambulating easily without vertigo is a sign that the antihistamine is effective. Vertigo is a common symptom of Ménière's disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of spinning sensation, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Antihistamines can help reduce the fluid buildup in the inner ear and relieve vertigo.
Choice D: Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is a normal finding and does not indicate the effect of an antihistamine. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries and can be influenced by factors such as heart rate, cardiac output, blood volume, and vascular resistance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sleeping with the head ofthe bed flat can worsen OSA by allowing gravity to pull down on the soft tissues ofthe throat and obstructing airflow.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because taking sedatives prior to sleep can also worsen OSA by relaxing the muscles ofthe upper airway and increasing airway collapse.
Choice C reason: This is correct because beginning a weight loss program can help reduce OSA by decreasing fat deposits around the neck and chest that can compress and narrow the airway.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because drinking 1to 2 glasses of wine at bedtime can have similar effects as sedatives, such as relaxing the muscles ofthe upper airway and impairing the respiratory drive.
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