A client is being urgently transported to radiology for a Computerized Tomography (CT scan) after a sudden decrease in level of consciousness. The client is orally intubated and has a left lateral chest tube to 20 cm suction. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
Secure chest tube to the stretcher for transport.
Administer PRN pain medication prior to transport.
Mark the amount of chest drainage on the container.
Keep chest tube container below the site of insertion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Securing chest tube to the stretcher for transport is a good practice, but it is not the most important action. The chest tube should be secured to prevent accidental dislodgement or kinking, but it does not affect the function of the chest tube or the drainage system.
Choice B reason: Administering PRN pain medication prior to transport is a compassionate action, but it is not the most important action. The client may experience pain due to the chest tube, the intubation, or the underlying condition, but pain relief is not a priority over maintaining adequate ventilation and drainage.
Choice C reason: Marking the amount of chest drainage on the container is a useful action, but it is not the most important action. The amount of chest drainage should be recorded and reported to monitor the client's status and detect any complications, such as hemorrhage or infection, but it does not affect the immediate function of the chest tube or the drainage system.
Choice D reason: Keeping chest tube container below the site of insertion is the most important action for the nurse to take. The chest tube container should be kept below the level of the client's chest to maintain a gravity-dependent pressure gradient that allows air and fluid to drain from the pleural space. If the container is raised above the site of insertion, it can cause backflow of air or fluid into the pleural space, which can compromise ventilation and cause tension pneumothorax.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C reason: observing the insertion site of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter can help detect signs of infection, bleeding, or healing problems. The nurse should inspect the incision site for redness, swelling, drainage, or odor and report any abnormal findings.
Choice A reason: measuring abdominal girth of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter is not necessary unless there are signs of urinary retention or obstruction. The nurse should monitor the urine output and color and report any changes.
Choice B reason: assessing perineal area of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter is not necessary unless there are signs of infection or irritation. The nurse should instruct the client on how to keep the perineal area clean and dry and report any discomfort or discharge.
Choice D reason: palpating flank area of a client who was discharged home with a suprapubic catheter is not necessary unless there are signs of urinary tract infection or kidney involvement. The nurse should ask the client about any pain or tenderness in the flank area and report any positive findings.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: An abdominal binder can be worn daily to reduce the protrusion is not a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is not an effective or recommended method to treat a hernia. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B reason: This hernia is a normal variation that resolves without treatment is a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this refers to an umbilical hernia, which is a common and harmless condition in infants that usually disappears by age 2. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice C reason: The quarter should be secured with an elastic bandage wrap is not a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is a folk remedy that has no scientific basis and can cause skin irritation and infection. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D reason: Restrictive clothing will be adequate to help the hernia go away is not a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is not a proven or safe way to treat a hernia. This is another distractor choice.
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