A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube with a water seal drainage system.
Upon assessment, the nurse notes tidaling in the water seal.
Which of the following is an explanation for the tidaling?
The lung has re-expanded.
There is a loop of tubing below the drainage system.
The system is working properly.
The tubing is partially obstructed by clots.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C, the system is working properly.
Choice A rationale: The lung has re-expanded is incorrect. If the lung has re-expanded, there would be no tidaling in the water seal chamber, as the pleural space would be restored to its normal negative pressure. Tidaling indicates that there is still air or fluid in the pleural space that needs to be drained
Choice B rationale: There is a loop of tubing below the drainage system is incorrect. A loop of tubing below the drainage system would not cause tidaling in the water seal chamber, but it could cause fluid accumulation in the tubing, which could impair the drainage and increase the risk of infection. The tubing should be straight and free of kinks or loops
Choice C rationale: The system is working properly is correct. Tidaling in the water seal chamber means that the water level rises and falls with the patient’s respirations. This is normal and expected, as it indicates that the chest tube is patent and connected to the pleural space, and that the drainage system is airtight and preventing air or fluid from entering the pleural space. Tidaling should stop when the lung is fully re-expanded or the chest tube is clamped
Choice D rationale: The tubing is partially obstructed by clots is incorrect. If the tubing is partially obstructed by clots, there would be no tidaling in the water seal chamber, as the chest tube would not be able to drain the air or fluid from the pleural space. The water level in the water seal chamber would be stagnant, and the patient may experience respiratory distress. The tubing should be checked regularly for clots and milked gently if needed
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder being upset about a change in daily routine is concerning but does not present an immediate threat to their physical health or require urgent attention compared to a potential medical emergency like a sore throat.
Choice B rationale:
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. Sore throat could be an early sign of this serious adverse effect. Therefore, a client taking clozapine reporting a sore throat requires immediate evaluation to rule out agranulocytosis, which can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.
Choice C rationale:
A client with narcissistic personality disorder mocking others during group therapy is disruptive and inappropriate behavior but does not require immediate attention unless it escalates into a situation that threatens the safety of others or the therapeutic environment.
Choice D rationale:
A client with depressive disorder requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) needs support and care, but this does not indicate an urgent situation. While assistance with ADLs is important for the client's well-being, it is not a priority over a potential medical emergency like agranulocytosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Choosing an agency to provide home physical therapy is important, but it is not the priority in this situation. The client's safety and immediate needs should be addressed first.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining an alert system to get help in case of a fall is the priority for an older adult living alone with left-sided weakness following a stroke. Falls can result in serious injuries, so having an alert system ensures the client can call for assistance promptly, enhancing their safety and well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Providing information about available transportation resources is important for the client's long-term independence and quality of life. However, immediate safety concerns, such as the risk of falls, should be addressed first.
Choice D rationale:
Reviewing information about support groups for individuals who have had a stroke is essential for the client's emotional well-being and social support. However, immediate safety measures, such as fall prevention, take precedence in this scenario.
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