A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following a lobectomy and has a chest tube drainage system in place. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates a need for intervention?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. It is not best to take medication with meals. Rifampin is better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Taking rifampin with food can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of drug resistance. The nurse should advise the client to take the medication as directed by the doctor, and to avoid foods that can interact with rifampin, such as cheese, yogurt, or alcohol.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Treatment with this medication will not last for 1 month. Rifampin is usually given as part of a combination therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis, along with other drugs such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The standard treatment regimen for drug susceptible tuberculosis consists of an intensive phase of 2 months, followed by a continuation phase of 4 or 7 months, depending on the drug regimen and the patient's response. The nurse should inform the client about the duration and the importance of completing the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms improve or the tests become negative.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. This medication does not cause insomnia. Rifampin does not affect the sleep cycle or the quality of sleep. However, rifampin can cause other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or rash. The nurse should instruct the client to report any severe or persistent side effects to the doctor, and to avoid taking over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements without consulting the doctor, as rifampin can interact with many other medications and reduce their effectiveness.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Urine and other secretions might turn orange. Rifampin can cause a harmless discoloration of body fluids, such as urine, saliva, sweat, tears, or breast milk. The color can range from orange to red or brown, depending on the concentration of the drug and the pH of the fluid. The nurse should reassure the client that this is a normal and expected effect of rifampin, and that it does not indicate any damage to the kidneys or other organs. The nurse should also warn the client that rifampin can stain contact lenses, dentures, or clothing, and advise the client to use disposable lenses, remove dentures before taking the drug, and wear dark colored clothes.

The correct answer is: d. On the nonoperative side

Choice A: Prone

Reason: Placing a patient in the prone position (lying face down) after a pneumonectomy is generally not recommended. This position can compromise respiratory function by restricting chest expansion and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. Additionally, it can place undue pressure on the surgical site, potentially leading to complications such as impaired wound healing or increased pain.

Choice B: Semi-Fowler’s

Reason: The Semi-Fowler’s position (head of the bed elevated to 30-45 degrees) is often used to promote lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. While it can be beneficial for general postoperative care, it is not the optimal position for a patient who has undergone a pneumonectomy. This position does not specifically address the need to prevent fluid accumulation in the remaining lung.

Choice C: Sims

Reason: The Sims position (lying on the side with one leg bent) is typically used for procedures such as enemas or to facilitate drainage of oral secretions. It is not suitable for a postoperative pneumonectomy patient because it does not provide the necessary support to the remaining lung and can increase the risk of fluid shifting to the nonoperative side.

Choice D: On the nonoperative side

Reason: Placing the patient on the nonoperative side is the correct position. This position helps to prevent fluid from accumulating in the remaining lung and reduces the risk of complications such as mediastinal shift or respiratory distress. By positioning the patient on the nonoperative side, gravity helps to keep the remaining lung expanded and functional.