The nurse is caring for a client who has a pneumothorax and a water-seal chest tube drainage system to suction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Add tap water as needed to the suction control chamber.
Maintain the drainage container below the level of the client's chest.
Empty the collection container every shift.
Clamp the chest tubes if it becomes disconnected
The Correct Answer is B
A. Add tap water as needed to the suction control chamber.
This is not the correct action. The suction control chamber of a water-seal chest tube drainage system is typically filled with sterile water to the prescribed level by the healthcare provider during the initial setup. Adding tap water to the suction control chamber can disrupt the balance of the system and affect the prescribed suction level. The nurse should not add tap water without specific instructions from the healthcare provider.
B. Maintain the drainage container below the level of the client's chest.
This is the correct action. In a water-seal chest tube drainage system, it's important to keep the drainage container below the level of the client's chest. This positioning allows gravity to assist in the drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space into the drainage container. It also helps prevent backflow of fluid or air into the chest cavity, ensuring the effectiveness of the drainage system.
C. Empty the collection container every shift.
While it may be necessary to empty the collection container if it becomes full, emptying it every shift is not a set rule. The frequency of emptying the collection container should be based on the volume of drainage and the facility's policy. The nurse should monitor the collection container regularly and empty it when it reaches the appropriate level, typically around half full or as indicated by facility protocol.
D. Clamp the chest tubes if it becomes disconnected.
Clamping the chest tubes if they become disconnected is not recommended. It can lead to tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space and compresses the lung. If a chest tube becomes disconnected, the nurse should immediately assess the situation, secure the chest tube connections, and notify the healthcare provider for further management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Liver function tests
This is the correct choice. Pyrazinamide, a medication used in the treatment of tuberculosis, is known to potentially cause hepatotoxicity, which refers to liver damage or dysfunction. Therefore, clients prescribed pyrazinamide should undergo regular monitoring of liver function tests to assess for any signs of liver injury or impairment. Liver function tests typically include measurements of various enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin levels.
B. Gallbladder studies
Gallbladder studies are not typically indicated for clients taking pyrazinamide. While pyrazinamide can rarely cause hepatotoxicity, which may affect liver function, it is not known to specifically target or affect the gallbladder. Therefore, routine gallbladder studies are not necessary for clients taking pyrazinamide.
C. Thyroid function studies
Pyrazinamide is not known to directly affect thyroid function. Therefore, routine thyroid function studies are not indicated for clients taking pyrazinamide unless there are specific signs or symptoms suggesting thyroid dysfunction.
D. Blood glucose levels
Pyrazinamide is not known to directly affect blood glucose levels. Therefore, routine monitoring of blood glucose levels is not indicated for clients taking pyrazinamide unless there are specific reasons to suspect or monitor for diabetes mellitus or other conditions affecting blood glucose regulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%
In an older adult client with a pneumothorax, the nurse could expect to observe lower oxygen saturations of 93% to 94%. A pneumothorax involves the accumulation of air in the pleural space, which can compress the lung and impair gas exchange, leading to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Decreased oxygen saturations would be a common finding in this condition.
B. Higher oxygen saturations of 98% to 99%
Higher oxygen saturations would be less likely in a client with a pneumothorax due to impaired gas exchange resulting from lung compression. Oxygen saturations are more likely to be lower in this condition, as indicated in option A.
C. Lower energy expenditure
While a pneumothorax may cause discomfort and dyspnea, which could potentially decrease energy expenditure due to reduced activity levels, it is not a direct physiological effect of the condition. Energy expenditure would depend on various factors, including the severity of symptoms and the individual's overall health status.
D. Increased lung capacity
A pneumothorax typically results in a decrease in lung capacity rather than an increase. The accumulation of air in the pleural space causes partial or complete collapse of the affected lung, reducing its ability to expand and decreasing overall lung capacity. Therefore, increased lung capacity would not be expected in a client with a pneumothorax.
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