A nurse is caring for a client following a left lobectomy for lung cancer. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions to prevent atelectasis?

A. Elevated temperature: Elevated temperature is not typically associated with advanced COPD unless there is an underlying infection. Infections such as pneumonia may exacerbate COPD symptoms but are not universal findings in advanced COPD.

B. Pursed-lip breathing: Pursed-lip breathing is a common compensatory mechanism seen in clients with COPD. It helps to slow down the rate of expiration and prevents alveolar collapse, improving gas exchange.

C. Clubbing of the fingers: Clubbing of the fingers is not typically associated with COPD. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as chronic hypoxemia, congenital heart disease, and certain lung diseases like bronchiectasis.

D. Concave chest: In advanced COPD, the chest may appear hyperinflated with a barrel-shaped chest due to air trapping. The presence of a concave chest is not characteristic of COPD.

E. Dyspnea at rest: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of COPD. In advanced stages, clients may experience dyspnea even at rest due to severe airflow limitation and impaired gas exchange.

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.