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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Client has increased urine specific gravity: Increased urine specific gravity indicates concentrated urine, which is a hallmark of SIADH and should be reported as it reflects the excessive retention of water.

B. Changes in the client's behavior: Behavioral changes can be indicative of hyponatremia, a serious complication of SIADH, and should be reported immediately.

C. Client is complaining of nausea: Nausea is a symptom of hyponatremia, which is a common and dangerous consequence of SIADH that needs prompt attention.

D. Client is complaining of severe headache: A severe headache can also be a sign of hyponatremia and potential cerebral edema, both of which are critical conditions needing urgent intervention.

E. Client's urine output is only 50 cc/hr: While reduced urine output can be associated with SIADH, 50 cc/hr is not extremely low and might not be immediately alarming on its own. The other symptoms are more critical and should take precedence in reporting to the provider.

A. Tachypnea. B. Wet cough. C. Dull chest pain. D. Episodes of apnea.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Tachypnea: Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is a common symptom of pulmonary embolism. It occurs as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygenation and increased carbon dioxide levels resulting from impaired blood flow to the lungs. Tachypnea helps to improve gas exchange by increasing ventilation.

B. Wet cough: A wet or productive cough may occur in conditions such as pneumonia or chronic bronchitis but is not typically associated with pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is more commonly characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, and tachypnea.

C. Dull chest pain: Chest pain associated with pulmonary embolism is often sharp and pleuritic, meaning it worsens with deep breathing or coughing. It may be described as stabbing or like a "knife-like" sensation. Dull chest pain is not a typical finding in pulmonary embolism.

D. Episodes of apnea: While severe cases of pulmonary embolism can lead to respiratory failure and apnea, it is not a common presenting symptom. Most clients with pulmonary embolism will exhibit tachypnea as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygenation.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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