A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious and has a breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea. The nurse should document that the client has which of the following respiratory alterations?

Stridor

Kussmaul respirations

Apneustic respirations

Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Answer: D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Rationale:

A) Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound resulting from disrupted airflow in the upper airway. It is not characterized by alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea, making this choice incorrect.

B) Kussmaul respirations: Kussmaul respirations are deep, labored breaths typically associated with metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. These respirations do not exhibit alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea, so this option is not applicable.

C) Apneustic respirations: Apneustic respirations are characterized by prolonged inhalation followed by a prolonged pause before exhalation. This pattern does not align with the alternating hyperventilation and apnea described, making it an incorrect choice.

D) Cheyne-Stokes respirations: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a cyclical pattern of increasing depth and rate of breathing followed by a gradual decrease in depth and a period of apnea. This description matches the client's breathing pattern of alternating hyperventilation and apnea, making this the correct answer.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Continuing to monitor the client is the appropriate action for the nurse to take, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is a normal and expected finding. The water seal chamber acts as a one-way valve that allows air to exit from the pleural space and prevents air from entering. The water level in this chamber ﬂuctuates with breathing, rising with inspiration and falling with expiration. This indicates that the chest tube system is functioning properly and that there is no air leak.

a) Immediately notifying the provider is not necessary, as a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is not an abnormal or urgent finding. The nurse should only notify the provider if there are signs of complications, such as persistent bubbling in the water seal chamber, which indicates an air leak, or no ﬂuctuation in the water level, which indicates an obstruction or resolution of pneumothorax.
b) Clamping the chest tube near the water seal is not advisable, as it can cause increased pressure in the pleural space and lead to tension pneumothorax. Clamping the chest tube should only be done for a brief period of time and under specific circumstances, such as changing the drainage system, assessing for an air leak, or preparing for chest tube removal.
d) Repositioning the client toward the left side is not helpful, as it does not aﬀect the water level in the water seal chamber. The nurse should position the client according to their comfort and condition, and avoid placing them ﬂat or on their aﬀected side, as this can impair drainage and ventilation.

A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing B. Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer C. Encourage the client to increase ﬂuid intake D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Increasing ﬂuid intake helps to hydrate the mucous membranes and thin the respiratory secretions, which facilitates expectoration and improves gas exchange.

Encourage coughing and deep breathing. This is beneficial for clearing the airways and preventing atelectasis, but it does not directly aﬀect the viscosity of the secretions.
Encourage regular use of the incentive spirometer. This is helpful for expanding the lungs and preventing complications such as pneumonia or pleural eﬀusion, but it does not inﬂuence the consistency of the secretions.
Encourage the client to ambulate frequently. This is important for promoting circulation and mobility, but it does not have a significant eﬀect on the thinning of the secretions.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious and has a breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea. The nurse should document that the client has which of the following respiratory alterations?

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