A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube and observes the water level in the water seal bubbling as the client breathes. How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding?

Inform the health care provider that there is a probable leak in the drainage system.

Encourage the client to breathe deeply so the water seal will stabilize.

Inform the health care provider that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed.

Document that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Inform the health care provider that there is a probable leak in the drainage system: Bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest drainage system during client breathing is an expected finding and indicates air movement in and out of the pleural space. It does not necessarily indicate a leak in the drainage system. Documenting the observation and assessing the client for other signs of complications would be appropriate before informing the healthcare provider.

B. Encourage the client to breathe deeply so the water seal will stabilize: Deep breathing by the client will not stabilize the water seal. The bubbling occurs due to air movement in and out of the pleural space during respiration and is a normal finding.

C. Inform the health care provider that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed: Bubbling in the water seal chamber does not necessarily indicate that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed. The decision to remove a chest tube is based on various factors, including the client's clinical status and resolution of the underlying condition requiring chest drainage.

D. Document that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended: Bubbling in the water seal chamber during client breathing indicates that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended. It is an expected finding and does not typically require intervention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Assist with passive range of motion exercises: While promoting mobility is important for overall well-being, it may not be the priority in a client with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, which requires respiratory support and oxygenation.

B. Monitor the pulse oximetry every two hours: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in clients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia to assess respiratory status and the effectiveness of treatment. Hypoxemia is a common complication and requires prompt intervention.

C. Encourage 1 liter of fluid intake in 24 hours: Encouraging adequate fluid intake is important for hydration, but it may not be the priority over monitoring respiratory status in a client with pneumonia.

D. Encourage the client to focus efforts on discharge: Discharge planning is important but should not take precedence over immediate nursing care priorities such as respiratory assessment and monitoring.

A. Obtain pulse oximetry every two hours. B. Teach the client how to use the incentive spirometer. C. Instruct the client to practice abdominal breathing. D. Encourage oral fluid intake of 2000 mL/24 hours.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Obtain pulse oximetry every two hours: While monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status, it is not a direct intervention for preventing atelectasis. It is more of an assessment tool to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing atelectasis.

B. Teach the client how to use the incentive spirometer: Incentive spirometry is a valuable tool for preventing atelectasis postoperatively by promoting deep breathing and lung expansion. Teaching the client how to use the incentive spirometer and encouraging its frequent use can help maintain lung volume and prevent collapse of alveoli.

C. Instruct the client to practice abdominal breathing: While abdominal breathing can be beneficial for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, it is not as effective as incentive spirometry in preventing atelectasis postoperatively.

D. Encourage oral fluid intake of 2000 mL/24 hours: Adequate hydration is important for overall health and respiratory function, but it is not specifically targeted at preventing atelectasis. While hydration can help maintain airway secretions thin, it is not the primary intervention for preventing atelectasis after a lobectomy.

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A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube and observes the water level in the water seal bubbling as the client breathes. How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding?

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