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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because hepatorenal failure is a condition that involves both liver and kidney dysfunction, usually as a complication of cirrhosis or portal hypertension. The symptoms of hepatorenal failure may include jaundice, ascites, edema, oliguria, or encephalopathy. However, these are not consistent with the client's presentation of fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and elevated amylase and lipase levels.
Choice B reason: This is correct because acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by gallstones, alcohol abuse, trauma, infection, or drugs. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis may include fever, upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, and elevated amylase and lipase levels. These are consistent with the client's presentation and suggest that the cholecystectomy may have triggered an attack of acute pancreatitis.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because surgical site infection is an infection that occurs at or near the incision site after surgery. The symptoms of surgical site infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, pus drainage, or pain at the wound site. However, these are not consistent with the client's presentation of fever, abdominal pain radiating to the back, vomiting, and elevated amylase and lipase levels.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because biliary duct obstruction is a blockage of the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine. The causes of biliary duct obstruction may include gallstones, tumors, inflammation, or scarring. The symptoms of biliary duct obstruction may include jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, itching, or abdominal pain. However, these are not consistent with the client's presentation of fever, abdominal pain radiating to the back, vomiting, and elevated amylase and lipase levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Redness and edema noted at the incision site are signs of inflammation, which are normal in the early stages of wound healing. The nurse should monitor the site for signs of infection, such as purulent drainage, increased pain, or fever.
Choice B reason: Apical heart rate of 100 to 110 beats/minute is a sign of tachycardia, which may be caused by pain, anxiety, dehydration, or blood loss. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, fluid status, and hemoglobin level, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: High-pitched sound heard upon inspiration is a sign of stridor, which is a life-threatening emergency that indicates airway obstruction. The nurse should call for help, administer oxygen, and prepare for intubation or tracheostomy.
Choice D reason: Pain rating of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 is a sign of severe pain, which may impair the client's recovery and increase the risk of complications. The nurse should administer pain medication as prescribed and use non-pharmacological methods to relieve pain, such as positioning, distraction, or relaxation techniques.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.