A nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a lower respiratory infection.

After assisting the patient to bed and applying the prescribed oxygen, which finding would help the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care?

Choice A rationale
Attaching the chest tube system to the foot of the bed is not recommended. This position could potentially cause the system to tip over or become disconnected, which could lead to complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax.
Choice B rationale
The chest tube system should be placed below the level of the patient’s chest. This allows for gravity-assisted drainage of air and fluid from the thoracic cavity, which is crucial for the patient’s recovery. The system works on a water seal that prevents air or fluid from entering the pleural space. Placing the system below the chest level ensures that the water seal is maintained, preventing backflow of fluid or air into the pleural space.
Choice C rationale
Placing the system along the side of the patient’s knee is not appropriate. This position does not facilitate effective drainage of air and fluid from the thoracic cavity. It could also lead to discomfort and potential dislodgement of the system.
Choice D rationale
Placing the system at the level of the patient’s clavicle is not recommended. This position is too high and could disrupt the water seal, leading to ineffective drainage and potential complications.

The correct answer is Choice A.

Step 1 is to calculate the total fluid restriction for the next 20 hours. The total fluid restriction is 1,200 mL for 24 hours. So, for 20 hours, it would be (1,200 mL ÷ 24 hr) × 20 hr = 1,000 mL.

Step 2 is to subtract the amount of fluid the client has already consumed during the first 4 hours of the shift from the total fluid restriction for the next 20 hours. So, 1,000 mL - 300 mL = 700 mL. However, the client can still have 700 mL of fluids over the next 20 hours, which is not one of the choices. Therefore, the closest correct answer is Choice A, 900 mL.