A nurse is assisting in the care of a client.

Exhibits

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the potential action is. indicated or contraindicated for the client who has a chest tube.

Choice A rationale:

Pedal pulses are a measure of peripheral circulation. A 2+ rating is considered normal, indicating a brisk, expected response. There’s no change in the client’s pedal pulses from Day 1 to Day 5, so this doesn’t require immediate follow-up.

Choice B rationale:

Oxygen saturation is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, so we cannot provide a rationale for this choice.

Choice C rationale:

Breath sounds are an important indicator of respiratory health. The client’s breath sounds are clear and present throughout on both Day 1 and Day 5, which is normal and doesn’t require immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory rate is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, but any significant change in respiratory rate could indicate a problem such as infection or pain, and would require immediate follow-up.

Choice E rationale:

The abdominal dressing shows a large amount of serosanguinous drainage on Day 5, compared to a small amount on Day 1. This could indicate a complication such as infection or dehiscence (separation of the wound), especially since the client reported feeling something “popped” at the incision site after coughing. This requires immediate follow-up.

Choice F rationale:

Heart rate is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, but any significant change in heart rate could indicate a systemic response to factors such as pain or infection, and would require immediate follow-up. In summary, while pedal pulses and breath sounds remain normal, the change in the abdominal dressing and potential changes in respiratory rate and heart rate (though not documented here) should be addressed immediately to ensure the client’s health and recovery.

Choice A rationale:

Informed consent is required for invasive procedures that carry significant risks or potential complications. Placement of a central venous catheter is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter into a large vein, often in the neck, chest, or groin. It carries potential risks such as infection, bleeding, and injury to nearby structures. Therefore, informed consent is necessary before performing this procedure.

Choice B rationale:

Insertion of a nasogastric tube is an invasive procedure, but it is generally considered a routine and less risky procedure compared to others. Informed consent is typically not required for nasogastric tube insertion unless there are specific institutional policies or the client lacks decision-making capacity.

Choice C rationale:

Irrigation of a wound with antibiotic solution is a standard nursing procedure, and informed consent is not typically required for wound care unless there are specific circumstances that make it necessary, such as unusual risks or patient-specific considerations.

Choice D rationale:

Administration of an iron injection using Z-track technique is also an invasive procedure, but it is a common and well-established technique for administering intramuscular injections. Informed consent is not routinely required for this procedure unless there are specific institutional policies or the client's condition warrants it.