A nurse is caring for a client who has brain cancer and is undergoing radiation therapy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse report immediately?

Choice A rationale
Bubbling of the water in the water seal chamber with exhalation. This statement is incorrect. Bubbling in the water seal chamber with exhalation can be normal and indicates that air is being expelled from the pleural space. It is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
Eyelets are not visible. This statement is incorrect. The visibility of eyelets on the chest tube is not a standard indicator for notifying the provider. The focus should be on the function of the chest tube and the patient’s clinical status.
Choice C rationale
Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side. This statement is correct. Tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side can indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It suggests that pressure is building up in the pleural space, compressing the lung and shifting the trachea.
Choice D rationale
Crepitus in the area above and surrounding the insertion site. This statement is incorrect. Crepitus, or subcutaneous emphysema, can occur when air leaks into the subcutaneous tissue around the chest tube insertion site. While it should be monitored, it is not necessarily an emergency requiring immediate notification of the provider.

Choice A rationale
While chest pain can occur after pacemaker insertion, it is not the primary concern immediately following the procedure. The nurse should monitor for more critical complications such as arrhythmias, which can indicate pacemaker malfunction or lead displacement.
Choice B rationale
Infection is a potential complication after pacemaker insertion, but it typically develops over a longer period. Immediate monitoring should focus on acute complications such as arrhythmias.
Choice C rationale
Bleeding is a concern after any surgical procedure, including pacemaker insertion. However, the primary immediate concern is monitoring for arrhythmias, which can indicate issues with the pacemaker’s function.
Choice D rationale
Arrhythmias are the primary concern immediately following pacemaker insertion. The nurse should monitor the client for any irregular heart rhythms, which can indicate pacemaker malfunction or lead displacement. Prompt identification and management of arrhythmias are crucial to ensure the pacemaker is functioning correctly.