A nurse is caring for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take after noticing a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration?

Immediately notify the provider.

Clamp the chest tube near the water seal.

Continue to monitor the client.

Reposition the client toward the left side.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Continuing to monitor the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is a normal and expected finding. The water seal chamber acts as a one-way valve that allows air to exit from the pleural space and prevents air from entering. The water level in this chamber ﬂuctuates with breathing, rising with inspiration and falling with expiration. This indicates that the chest tube system is functioning properly and that there is no air leak.

a) Immediately notifying the provider is not necessary, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is not an abnormal or urgent finding. The nurse should only notify the provider if there are signs of complications, such as persistent bubbling in the water seal chamber, which indicates an air leak, or no ﬂuctuation in the water level, which indicates an obstruction or resolution of pneumothorax.
b) Clamping the chest tube near the water seal is not advisable, as it can cause increased pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube should only be done for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Repositioning the client toward the left side is not helpful, as it does not aﬀect the water level in the water seal chamber. The nurse should position the client according to their comfort and condition, and avoid placing them ﬂat or on their aﬀected side, as this can impair drainage and ventilation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of new clots and the extension of existing clots. It is the drug of choice for treating acute pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery.

a) Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inﬂammation and suppresses immune response. It is not indicated for treating pulmonary embolism, but it may be used for other pulmonary conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
b) Atropine is an anticholinergic that blocks the action of acetylcholine and increases heart rate and cardiac output. It is not indicated for treating pulmonary embolism, but it may be used for bradycardia or asystole.
d) Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces ﬂuid volume and blood pressure. It is not indicated for treating pulmonary embolism, but it may be used for heart failure or edema.

A. Oxygen saturation level 96% B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest D. Petechiae on chest

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, also known as barrel chest, is a common finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema. It is caused by chronic air trapping and hyperinﬂation of the lungs, which results in fattening of the diaphragm and widening of the rib cage.

a) Oxygen saturation level 96% is within the normal range of 95% to 100% and does not indicate hypoxemia or impaired gas exchange. Clients who have COPD with emphysema typically have lower oxygen saturation levels, ranging from 88% to 92%.
b) Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hyperventilation, which can occur in response to hypoxia, anxiety, or pain. Clients who have COPD with emphysema usually have respiratory acidosis, which is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to increased carbon dioxide levels. It is caused by hypoventilation, which results from impaired lung function and airway obstruction.
d) Petechiae on chest are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from capillaries. They are not a typical finding in clients who have COPD with emphysema, unless they have severe coughing episodes or coagulation disorders. They can indicate infection, inﬂammation, trauma, or vascular disease.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a three-chamber closed chest tube system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take after noticing a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration?

Nursing Test Bank

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