A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube in place for treatment of a hemothorax. The nurse should prioritize which nursing intervention when caring for this client?
Empty the drainage from the pleuravac at the end of each shift.
Report serosanguinous drainage in the pleuravac.
Milk the chest tube every 4 hours to dislodge clotted blood.
Assist with coughing and deep breathing exercises every hour.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Empty the drainage from the pleuravac at the end of each shift: This is not a standard practice. Chest tube drainage systems typically have a built-in mechanism to handle drainage, and monitoring and recording the output is essential.
B. Report serosanguinous drainage in the pleuravac: Serosanguinous drainage (a mix of blood and serous fluid) can be expected in a hemothorax, especially initially. Reporting is necessary if there are significant changes in the amount or type of drainage.
C. Milk the chest tube every 4 hours to dislodge clotted blood: Milking or stripping the chest tube is generally not recommended as it can create high negative pressures that can damage lung tissue.
D. Assist with coughing and deep breathing exercises every hour: Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion, which is crucial for recovery from a hemothorax.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Freshly squeezed orange juice: Orange juice is generally not considered a trigger for gout attacks. However, it is high in fructose, which may contribute to gout if consumed excessively.
B. Milk: Milk is not typically associated with triggering gout attacks and is often recommended as part of a healthy diet for gout.
C. Black Coffee: Coffee, especially black coffee, is generally considered safe for individuals with gout and may even have some protective effects against gout attacks.
D. Sweetened iced tea: Sweetened iced tea is often made with high-fructose corn syrup, which can increase uric acid levels and potentially trigger gout attacks. Therefore, it is important for individuals with gout to limit their intake of sweetened beverages like iced tea.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Heart rate of 90 bpm: While an elevated heart rate may be expected in response to burn injury and the body's stress response, a heart rate of 90 bpm alone may not be concerning without additional context.
B. Blood pressure of 96/50 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of inadequate tissue perfusion, fluid loss, or shock. It requires prompt notification of the healthcare provider for further assessment and intervention.
C. Urine output of 2 mL/kg per hour: Adequate urine output is important for renal function and fluid balance, and a urine output of 2 mL/kg per hour is within the normal range. While changes in urine output should be monitored, this finding alone does not require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
D. Pain rating of 7 on a 1 to 10 point scale: Pain management is important in burn care, but a pain rating of 7 on a 1 to 10 scale is not unusual in clients with burns and may not require immediate notification of the healthcare provider unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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