The doctor orders dextrose 5% in water 1,000 mL to be infused over 8 hours. The IV tubing delivers 15 drops per milliliter. The nurse in charge should run the IV infusion at a rate of:

NOTE: Enter ONLY THE NUMBER DO NOT enter the unit of measurement

Choice A Reason:

Breath sounds diminished on auscultation indicate that there may still be fluid or air in the pleural space, suggesting that the chest tube is still needed to drain the pleural cavity. This is not an appropriate reason to discontinue a chest tube as it indicates ongoing issues that need to be resolved.

Choice B Reason:

Improved respiratory status is a key indicator that the chest tube has successfully resolved the underlying issue, such as a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. When the patient shows signs of stable and improved breathing, it suggests that the chest tube has served its purpose and can be safely removed.

Choice C Reason:

Symmetrical rise and fall of the chest during respiration indicate that both lungs are expanding and contracting normally. This symmetry is a sign that the pleural space is no longer compromised, making it an appropriate reason to remove the chest tube.

Choice D Reason:

Oxygen saturation at least 90% is a general indicator of adequate oxygenation but does not specifically address the condition of the pleural space. While important, it is not a direct reason to discontinue a chest tube without other supporting signs.

Choice E Reason:

Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an ongoing air leak, which means that the chest tube is still necessary to evacuate air from the pleural space. This is not an appropriate reason to remove the chest tube.

Choice F Reason:

An asymmetrical chest on inspiration and expiration suggests that there is still an issue with lung expansion, possibly due to fluid or air in the pleural space. This condition requires the chest tube to remain in place until resolved.

Choice G Reason:

Bilateral breath sounds clear on auscultation indicate that both lungs are free of fluid and air, and are functioning normally. This is a strong indicator that the chest tube has achieved its purpose and can be safely removed.

Choice A reason:

Strict monitoring of hourly intake and output is important for managing fluid balance and detecting potential complications such as dehydration or fluid overload1. However, it is not the highest priority in the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The primary concern is to monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurological deterioration.

Choice B reason:

Managing pain through drug and non-drug methods is essential for patient comfort and overall well-being. Pain management can help reduce stress and improve the patient’s ability to rest and recover. However, it is not the highest priority compared to monitoring neurological status, which can provide early indications of complications such as increased ICP or seizures.

Choice C reason:

Assessing neurological status at least every 2 to 4 hours is the highest priority for a client with bacterial meningitis. This frequent assessment helps detect early signs of neurological deterioration, increased ICP, and other complications. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing severe outcomes and improving the patient’s prognosis.

Choice D reason:

Decreasing environmental stimuli is important to reduce stress and prevent exacerbation of symptoms such as headache and photophobia. While this intervention is beneficial, it is not as critical as frequent neurological assessments in the acute management of bacterial meningitis.