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. Maintaining a semiFowler's position as often as possible. While positioning can aid in lung expansion and ease breathing, it does not directly help thin thick bronchial secretions. Proper hydration is more effective in loosening mucus and making it easier to expectorate.
B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min. Oxygen therapy is beneficial for COPD clients with hypoxemia, but it does not specifically address thick secretions. Oxygen at high levels can also suppress the respiratory drive in COPD patients, so it should be used cautiously.
C. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily. Adequate hydration helps thin tenacious bronchial secretions, making them easier to clear. Fluids reduce mucus viscosity, facilitating expectoration, which improves airway clearance and reduces coughing discomfort.
D. Helping the client select a lowsalt diet. A lowsodium diet can help with fluid balance, particularly in clients with heart failure or hypertension, but it does not directly affect mucus production or secretion viscosity in COPD patients.

A. Muscle wasting. Clients with ARDS frequently experience critical illness myopathy due to prolonged mechanical ventilation, systemic inflammation, and catabolic stress. This leads to severe muscle atrophy and weakness, impairing mobility and recovery.
B. Fat accumulation. ARDS is associated with catabolism rather than fat accumulation. Clients often experience significant weight loss due to metabolic stress, protein breakdown, and inadequate nutritional intake rather than fat storage.
C. Cognitive loss. Hypoxia, prolonged ICU stays, sedation, and mechanical ventilation contribute to postintensive care syndrome (PICS), which includes memory deficits, attention difficulties, and executive dysfunction. Many ARDS survivors struggle with cognitive impairments even after discharge.
D. Functional impairment. Many ARDS patients develop longterm physical disabilities, including reduced exercise tolerance, respiratory muscle weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities (ADLs). Persistent dyspnea and deconditioning significantly impact quality of life.
E. Weight gain. While fluid retention and edema can cause temporary weight fluctuations, ARDS is primarily associated with weight loss due to muscle wasting, increased metabolic demands, and inadequate nutritional support. Fat accumulation is not a typical outcome.