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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wearing a gown is a correct action, because it protects the nurse's clothing and skin from exposure to the client's body fluids.
Choice B reason: Wearing gloves is a correct action, because it protects the nurse's hands from contact with the client's body fluids and reduces the risk of transmission of HIV.
Choice C reason: Not needed unless there's risk of respiratory exposure, which is not indicated here. AIDS is not spread via airborne particles.
Choice D reason: Wearing a hair cover is an incorrect action, because it is not necessary for standard precautions or contact precautions, which are the types of isolation required for a client who has AIDS and is incontinent of stool.
Choice E reason: Only needed if splashing of body fluids into the eyes is likely (not typical when simply changing linens).
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Unilateral weakness is an incorrect finding, because it is more indicative of a stroke or a brain tumor than encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can cause neurological symptoms, but they are usually bilateral and symmetrical.
Choice B reason: Stiff neck is a correct finding, because it is a sign of meningeal irritation, which can occur in encephalitis due to the involvement of the meninges (the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord).
Choice C reason: Photophobia is a correct finding, because it is another sign of meningeal irritation, which can cause sensitivity to light and sound.
Choice D reason: Epigastric pain is an incorrect finding, because it is not related to encephalitis. Epigastric pain is more likely to be caused by a gastrointestinal disorder, such as gastritis or peptic ulcer.
Choice E reason: Lethargy is a correct finding, because it is a sign of altered mental status, which can occur in encephalitis due to the damage to the brain tissue.
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