A nurse is caring for a client who is 1day postoperative following a left lower lobectomy and has a chest tube in place. When assessing the client's threechamber drainage system, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Hemoglobin: While the hemoglobin is at the lower end of normal, it is not critically low and does not require immediate reporting unless there is evidence of worsening anemia or active bleeding.
B. Upper respiratory infection: A persistent infection lasting over 2 months raises concern for relapsed leukemia or immunosuppression, especially given the elevated WBC count and persistent fever. This should be reported for further evaluation.
C. Breath sounds: The presence of clear breath sounds but with subcostal retractions suggests that the child is having difficulty breathing despite no significant lung congestion. This may indicate respiratory distress or worsening anemia, which requires immediate medical attention.
D. Skin assessment: Petechiae and unexplained bruising suggest thrombocytopenia, a common complication of leukemia relapse or bone marrow suppression. This could indicate a worsening condition and should be reported.
E. Retractions: Subcostal retractions are a sign of increased respiratory effort, suggesting that the child is struggling to maintain oxygenation. This is a serious finding that warrants immediate provider notification.
F. Oxygen saturation: A drop from 97% to 92% suggests respiratory compromise, which may be due to anemia, infection, or leukemic infiltration in the lungs. This decline needs to be reported promptly.
G. Respiratory rate: The increase from 22 to 30 breaths per minute indicates worsening respiratory distress, which may be due to anemia, infection, or respiratory failure. This change requires immediate attention.
H. WBC count: The elevated WBC count of 15,000/mm³ is above the normal range, which may indicate infection or possible leukemia relapse. However, since a mild elevation is expected with infection, it is not as immediately critical as the other findings.

A. Analgesic. While aspirin has painrelieving (analgesic) properties, it is not prescribed at 325 mg for postMI clients primarily for pain relief. Instead, its role in preventing platelet aggregation is the key factor in reducing future cardiovascular events.
B. Antipyretic. Aspirin can reduce fever (antipyretic effect) by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the hypothalamus. However, postMI clients are not prescribed aspirin for fever reduction but rather for its cardiovascular protective effects.
C. Antiinflammatory. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) and can reduce inflammation. However, at low doses (81–325 mg), its primary function is not antiinflammatory but rather to reduce clot formation and prevent arterial blockage.
D. Antiplatelet aggregate. This is correct. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking cyclooxygenase1 (COX1), which prevents thromboxane A₂ production, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation. This action is critical for preventing recurrent myocardial infarction or stroke in highrisk clients.