A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The nurse should intervene for which of the following observations?

Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber

Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber

Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber

Bloody drainage in the collection chamber

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal as it indicates that the suction is active and functioning as intended. The chamber should have steady bubbling when suction is applied.
B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber is abnormal and indicates a potential air leak. The water-seal chamber should only bubble intermittently with respiratory effort or changes in pressure; constant bubbling suggests that air is being introduced into the system, which could indicate a malfunction or an air leak at the insertion site or along the tubing.
C. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber are normal and should be observed, especially with breathing. The fluid levels will rise with inspiration and fall with expiration, reflecting the changes in pressure within the pleural space.
D. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected immediately after surgery, particularly in the early postoperative period. It may be a sign of surgical site drainage, but if it becomes excessive or persists, further assessment is required. However, a small amount of blood in the collection chamber initially is not abnormal.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Discharge immediately following an open lung biopsy is unlikely. The patient will need observation post-procedure for complications such as bleeding, infection, or pneumothorax, and it usually requires a stay in the hospital for monitoring.
B. It is unlikely that supplemental oxygen will not be needed following an open lung biopsy. The patient may require oxygen post-procedure due to potential respiratory compromise, such as atelectasis or pneumothorax.
C. A chest tube is commonly inserted after an open lung biopsy to allow the lung to re-expand and to drain air or fluid that may accumulate in the pleural space. This is a standard part of the postoperative care for this procedure.
D. Collecting a sputum specimen is not typically necessary immediately after an open lung biopsy. The focus will be on monitoring the patient’s respiratory status, ensuring proper lung expansion, and preventing complications like pneumothorax or bleeding.

A. Document the amount of drainage. B. Notify the client's provider. C. Obtain a culture of the drainage. D. Check the drainage for glucose.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While documenting the amount of drainage is important, it is not the most urgent action when clear drainage is observed after a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.
B. Notifying the provider is important but should not be the first step. The nurse should first assess the nature of the drainage, as it could indicate a serious complication, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
C. A culture may be necessary if infection is suspected, but the priority action is to assess whether the drainage is CSF.
D. Checking the drainage for glucose is the most appropriate initial action. Clear drainage from the nasal packing could indicate a CSF leak, which is a complication that can occur after transsphenoidal surgery. CSF contains glucose, so testing for glucose in the drainage will help determine if it is CSF. If glucose is detected, the nurse should immediately notify the provider, as CSF leakage requires prompt intervention.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The nurse should intervene for which of the following observations?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Mr. Jones is undergoing an open lung biopsy in the morning, and the nurse is educating the patient regarding the postoperative period. Which of the following statements should be included in the education?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. While assessing the client, the nurse notes a large area of clear drainage seeping from the nasal packing. Which of the following should be the nurse's initial action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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