A client has a chest tube connected to a closed water-seal drainage system with suction. Which equipment should the nurse always have available at the client's bedside?

A. View the rhythm in another chest lead. While verifying the rhythm in another lead may help confirm the accuracy of the monitor, it does not address the immediate absence of a pulse and respirations. The client is in pulseless electrical activity (PEA), which requires immediate intervention rather than rhythm verification.
B. Begin chest compressions at a rate of 120 times a minute. The client has no palpable carotid pulse and no spontaneous respirations despite a sinus rhythm on the monitor, indicating pulseless electrical activity (PEA). PEA is a form of cardiac arrest where the heart shows electrical activity but fails to generate effective circulation. Immediate high-quality chest compressions are essential to maintain perfusion while addressing the underlying cause, such as hypovolemia or tension pneumothorax.
C. Auscultate all chest fields for muffled lung sounds. While assessing for muffled lung sounds may help detect conditions such as tension pneumothorax or hemothorax, it should not delay the initiation of CPR. Once compressions are started, the underlying cause of PEA can be investigated.
D. Observe for swelling at the fracture site. Swelling at the fracture site may indicate bleeding or compartment syndrome, but assessing the fracture should not take priority over initiating CPR. If hemorrhage is suspected as a cause of PEA, rapid fluid resuscitation should be initiated after starting chest compressions.

A. Give the client 15 g of carbohydrates and retest the blood glucose in 15 minutes.
A blood glucose of 250 mg/dL is still high but does not require immediate carbohydrate administration. Carbohydrates are given in cases of hypoglycemia (blood glucose <70 mg/dL) or when transitioning from IV to subcutaneous insulin at lower glucose levels.
B. Bolus the client with 1 L of 3% sodium chloride solution.
The client’s sodium is already elevated (152 mEq/L), and hypertonic saline (3% NaCl) would worsen hypernatremia and increase the risk of neurological complications. Instead, hypotonic fluids (0.45% NaCl) are recommended once intravascular volume is stabilized.
C. Hold the insulin infusion.
HHS is managed with continuous insulin infusion to gradually reduce glucose levels. The blood glucose is still above the target range (250 mg/dL), so insulin should not be stopped prematurely to avoid a rebound in hyperglycemia.
D. Decrease the sodium concentration in the IV fluids from 0.9% to 0.45%.
Once circulatory volume is restored, fluids should be switched to 0.45% sodium chloride to correct hypernatremia and intracellular dehydration. This is a standard part of HHS treatment after initial fluid resuscitation.
E. Alert the provider of the current blood glucose level.
Glucose levels are improving but still high (250 mg/dL), requiring adjustments in fluid and insulin therapy. The provider should be informed to assess whether insulin titration or fluid changes are necessary.
F. Add 20 mEq of potassium chloride to the IV fluids.
Insulin therapy drives potassium into cells, leading to hypokalemia (K⁺ = 3.2 mEq/L), which can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Potassium replacement is required to prevent complications and maintain normal levels.
G. Start a regular diet.
Clients with HHS require gradual rehydration and glucose control before transitioning to oral intake. A regular diet is not appropriate until the client is stable, glucose levels are consistently controlled, and IV therapy is discontinued.