A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube in place following a thoracotomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Empty the drainage container every 4 hr.

Change the client's insertion-site dressing each shift.

Clamp the chest tube when the client is ambulating.

Place the drainage unit below the client's chest level.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect action, because emptying the drainage container every 4 hr is not necessary and can interfere with the accurate measurement of the drainage volume. The drainage container should be emptied only when it is full or at the end of the shift.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action, because changing the client's insertion-site dressing each shift can increase the risk of infection and dislodgment of the chest tube. The insertion-site dressing should be changed only when it is soiled or loose.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect action, because clamping the chest tube when the client is ambulating can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication of chest tube insertion. The chest tube should be clamped only when ordered by the provider or when changing the drainage system.

Choice D reason: This is the correct action, because placing the drainage unit below the client's chest level can facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space by gravity. The drainage unit should be kept below the client's chest level at all times.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct intervention, because avoiding IM injections can prevent bleeding and hematoma formation in the client who has low platelet count and impaired clotting.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because obtaining a rectal temperature once per shift can cause trauma and bleeding in the rectal mucosa, which is highly vascularized and sensitive.

Choice C reason: This is an unnecessary intervention, because the client who has thrombocytopenia does not have an increased risk of infection, unless they also have neutropenia or immunosuppression. The client should be allowed to have visitors, as long as they follow the infection control precautions.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because encouraging daily flossing between teeth can cause gingival bleeding and ulceration in the client who has low platelet count and impaired clotting. The client should use a soft toothbrush and avoid dental floss.

A. Estimation of burn injury B. Respiratory rate C. Presence of bowel sounds D. Level of pain

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is an important data, but not the first one. The nurse should first assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation, which are the priorities in any emergency situation.

Choice B reason: This is the correct data, because the nurse should first collect the respiratory rate to determine if the client has any signs of airway obstruction, inhalation injury, or respiratory distress, which are life-threatening complications of facial burns.

Choice C reason: This is a relevant data, but not the first one. The nurse should collect the presence of bowel sounds later, after ensuring the client's airway, breathing, and circulation are stable, to assess the client's gastrointestinal function and possible paralytic ileus.

Choice D reason: This is a significant data, but not the first one. The nurse should collect the level of pain later, after ensuring the client's airway, breathing, and circulation are stable, to provide adequate analgesia and comfort measures.

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A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a chest tube in place following a thoracotomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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