A chest tube is inserted following a crushing chest injury. The observation that indicates a desired response to treatment of the client's chest injury would be
increased respiratory rate.
increased breath sounds.
constant bubbling in drainage chamber.
fluctuation of drainage in the tubing.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increased respiratory rate: An elevated respiratory rate may indicate ongoing respiratory distress or pain rather than improvement. While monitoring respiratory rate is important, an increase does not signify that the chest injury is resolving or that the lung has re-expanded. It may reflect compensatory effort due to hypoxia or discomfort.
B. Increased breath sounds: The return or improvement of breath sounds on auscultation indicates that the previously collapsed or injured lung is re-expanding and ventilation is improving. This is a direct sign that the chest tube is effectively removing air or fluid and that the client is responding positively to treatment.
C. Constant bubbling in the drainage chamber: Continuous bubbling usually suggests an air leak in the chest tube system, which is a complication rather than a desired response. Intermittent bubbling may occur with exhalation, but constant bubbling signals that the system is not fully sealed.
D. Fluctuation of drainage in the tubing: Fluctuation, or tidaling, reflects changes in intrathoracic pressure and is normal initially. While it indicates patency of the tube, it does not directly signify resolution of the lung injury. Over time, the goal is stabilization with minimal fluctuation as the lung fully re-expands
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The arterial line shows a blood pressure of 108/60: This blood pressure is within an acceptable range and does not immediately indicate the need to adjust ventilator settings. Hemodynamic monitoring must consider overall trends, not a single reading within normal limits.
B. The pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is increased: An elevated PAWP indicates increased left ventricular preload or fluid overload, which may require fluid management but does not directly necessitate changing PEEP unless it is contributing to cardiac compromise.
C. The cardiac output drops from 5 to 3: A significant decrease in cardiac output indicates that the high PEEP may be impeding venous return and reducing stroke volume. This is a critical sign that ventilator settings may need adjustment to prevent hemodynamic compromise while maintaining adequate oxygenation.
D. The pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is decreased: A decrease in PAP is generally not concerning in isolation and may reflect effective oxygenation or reduced pulmonary vascular resistance. It does not typically signal the need to change ventilator settings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The sudden, severe headache increases muscle tone and can cause further nerve damage.": While headache is a common symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, it does not directly increase muscle tone or cause additional spinal cord damage. The headache is a result of elevated blood pressure rather than a cause of further nerve injury.
B. "The suddenness of the onset of the syndrome tells us the body is struggling to maintain its normal state.": The rapid onset signals a physiological emergency, but this explanation is vague and does not address the immediate life-threatening risk associated with uncontrolled hypertension during autonomic dysreflexia.
C. "The sudden increase in BP can raise the ICP or rupture a cerebral blood vessel.": Autonomic dysreflexia triggers a sudden, severe rise in blood pressure, which can lead to dangerous complications such as stroke, seizures, or increased intracranial pressure. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical to prevent these life-threatening outcomes.
D. "Autonomic dysreflexia causes permanent damage to delicate nerve fibers that are healing.": The condition primarily affects cardiovascular regulation rather than causing direct injury to spinal nerve fibers. While complications can be severe, permanent nerve damage is not the immediate risk that makes it an emergency.
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