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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It is caused by the lack of production of insulin by the pancreas.": This is incorrect. The lack of insulin production causes diabetes mellitus, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly aldosterone and cortisol.
B. "It is caused by the overproduction of parathormone by the parathyroid gland.": This is incorrect. Parathormone is produced by the parathyroid glands and regulates calcium balance, but overproduction of parathormone leads to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, not Addison’s disease.
C. "It is caused by the lack of production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland.": This is correct. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to produce sufficient aldosterone and cortisol, two critical hormones. Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, and cortisol helps the body respond to stress.
D. "It is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.": This is incorrect. Overproduction of growth hormone causes acromegaly or gigantism, not Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease results from adrenal insufficiency, not pituitary gland dysfunction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Test your blood glucose level every 8 hours.": This is incorrect. During illness, blood glucose levels should be checked more frequently, typically every 2 to 4 hours, to closely monitor for hyperglycemia and prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Checking every 8 hours may not be frequent enough, especially if the client is ill or experiencing stress, both of which can affect blood sugar.
B. "Check your urine for ketones when blood glucose levels are greater than 240 mg/dL.": This is the correct instruction. When blood glucose levels exceed 240 mg/dL, it is important to check for ketones in the urine. The presence of ketones can indicate the development of DKA, and early detection can prevent the condition from worsening.
C. "Withhold your usual daily dose of insulin.": This is incorrect. Insulin should never be withheld during periods of illness unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. Withholding insulin can increase the risk of DKA, as the body will continue to break down fat for energy in the absence of insulin, leading to ketosis.
D. "Drink 240 to 360 milliliters of calorie-free liquids every 8 hours.": This is not entirely correct. While staying hydrated is important, the recommendation is generally to drink more frequently, ideally 8 ounces of fluid every hour to stay well-hydrated. It is also recommended to drink fluids that contain some carbohydrates (such as electrolyte-containing drinks) to help manage blood glucose levels during illness.
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