The nurse would check for leaks in the chest tube and water seal system when:

there is continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.

the water levels in the water-seal chamber and suction chambers are decreased.

fluid in the water-seal chamber fluctuates with the client's breathing.

there is constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. There is continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber suggests a potential air leak in the system, which needs to be investigated. The water-seal chamber is designed to prevent backflow of air into the pleural space, and persistent bubbling typically indicates that air is escaping from the pleural cavity or there is a problem with the tubing or chest tube placement. This is the first sign that the system may not be sealed properly and should be checked for leaks.

B. The water levels in the water-seal chamber and suction chambers are decreased: Decreased water levels in both the water-seal and suction chambers may be indicative of fluid loss or evaporation, but it does not necessarily point to a leak. In the case of a chest tube, water levels may also drop due to suction pressure or gradual evaporation, which would need to be adjusted or monitored. While this should be addressed, it is not an immediate cause for suspicion of an air leak in the system.

C. Fluid in the water-seal chamber fluctuates with the client's breathing: The fluctuation (also known as "tidaling") in the water-seal chamber is a normal finding that occurs when the client breathes in and out. It reflects the pressure changes in the pleural cavity during respiration. The absence of tidaling might indicate that the lung has re-expanded or that there is a blockage in the tubing. While tidaling is a normal occurrence, the absence or abnormality of this fluctuation would require further assessment but not for an air leak.

D. There is constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber: Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber generally indicates that suction is appropriately applied to the system. However, if there is continuous bubbling in this chamber, it is typically related to the level of suction being applied, not an air leak. This is a normal occurrence and does not require checking for leaks in the system unless suction pressure is too high or low for optimal functioning.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. and record vital signs every 4 hours:
While vital signs are important, monitoring every 4 hours may not be frequent enough in an intensive care setting, especially for a client requiring mechanical ventilation. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, should be monitored more frequently (at least every hour) to detect changes in the patient's condition, particularly since positive pressure ventilation can significantly affect circulatory status.

B. Intake and output hourly:
In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the client may require mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Positive pressure ventilation, while essential for improving oxygenation, can increase intrathoracic pressure, which may impair venous return to the heart, decreasing cardiac output. As a result, it is critical to monitor the fluid balance closely, as fluid overload can worsen the patient's condition and contribute to pulmonary edema or other complications. Hourly assessment of intake and output (I&O) helps the nurse monitor renal function, fluid status, and cardiac output. Maintaining a proper balance of fluids is crucial in managing ARDS and its associated complications.

C. Heart and lung sounds every shift:
A shift assessment of heart and lung sounds is useful but is not frequent enough to detect early changes in a client with decreased cardiac output or other complications related to mechanical ventilation. More frequent monitoring of lung sounds and heart function may be necessary, particularly in clients at risk of ventilator-associated complications like ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), pulmonary edema, or arrhythmias.

D. Level of consciousness every shift:
Monitoring level of consciousness is important, especially in clients with ARDS and mechanical ventilation, as changes in consciousness can indicate worsening hypoxia or hypercapnia. However, this assessment is less directly related to the immediate concern of decreased cardiac output, which can be more effectively managed through continuous monitoring of fluid status and vital signs rather than consciousness alone. Though consciousness should be monitored regularly, I&O hourly would be more crucial in this context for managing cardiac output.

A. Hand washing before and after client contact B. Placement of an indwelling urinary catheter using sterile technique C. Initiate neutropenic precautions D. Clean technique with central IV line care

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Hand washing before and after client contact: The most important infection control guideline when caring for a client with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who is on a ventilator is hand hygiene. This is because ventilated patients are at high risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other infections. Hand washing is the most effective method of preventing the spread of pathogens that could lead to nosocomial infections. The nurse should perform proper hand hygiene both before and after any patient interaction, as this is critical in preventing the transmission of bacteria or viruses, especially in patients with compromised respiratory systems.

Explanation of each option:

B. Placement of an indwelling urinary catheter using sterile technique:
While using sterile technique when placing an indwelling urinary catheter is essential to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), it is not the top priority for infection control in this situation. The primary concern for infection in ARDS patients who are on mechanical ventilation is preventing respiratory infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Although catheter-associated infections should be prevented, the most immediate concern is preventing respiratory-related infections.

C. Initiate neutropenic precautions:
Neutropenic precautions are important for patients who have immunocompromised conditions (such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with bone marrow suppression) to protect them from infections. However, ARDS does not necessarily compromise the immune system in the same way. The priority infection control measure for a patient on a ventilator with ARDS is preventing respiratory infections. Therefore, neutropenic precautions would not be the most relevant or highest priority in this case.

D. Clean technique with central IV line care:
Maintaining clean technique with central intravenous (IV) line care is important to prevent infections, such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). However, the most critical infection control measure for a patient on a ventilator with ARDS is still to focus on preventing respiratory infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). While IV line care is important, it is secondary to preventing respiratory tract infections in this scenario.

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The nurse would check for leaks in the chest tube and water seal system when:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who requires mechanical ventilation. A client problem of decreased cardiac output from the positive pressure ventilator has been identified. What should the nurse include in the plan of care? Assess:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is admitting a client who is on a ventilator. The client has a medical diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which infection control guideline is of greatest importance?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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