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 C

Explanation

A. "I will take my medication even if symptoms improve." This statement indicates understanding of the importance of medication compliance in managing SLE, as symptoms may improve but the disease may still be active.

B. "I will not have my hair dyed or relaxed unless I am in a period of remission." This statement shows awareness of avoiding potential triggers for disease flare-ups during active periods of SLE.

C. "I will sunbathe as often as possible to ensure I get enough vitamin D." Sun exposure can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms, and individuals with SLE are often advised to avoid excessive sun exposure and to use sun protection to minimize flare-ups.

D. "I will report any fever to my healthcare provider immediately." This statement demonstrates understanding of the importance of monitoring for signs of infection or disease flare-ups, which can be common in SLE.

A. Assess the insertion site. B. Keep the client NPO for 4 hr. C. Keep the affected leg slightly flexed. D. Elevate the head of the bed 45°.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Assess the insertion site: Assessing the insertion site for bleeding, hematoma, or signs of infection is the priority action because complications at the insertion site can occur post- procedure and require immediate attention.

B. Keep the client NPO for 4 hr: Keeping the client NPO is not typically necessary after a cardiac catheterization unless there are specific orders or complications.

C. Keep the affected leg slightly flexed: The affected leg should actually be kept straight to prevent bleeding from the insertion site.

D. Elevate the head of the bed 45°: The head of the bed should usually be kept flat or only slightly elevated to reduce the risk of bleeding from the femoral site.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

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