A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Continue to monitor the client's respiratory status.
Check the suction control outlet on the wall.
Clamp the chest tube.
Check the tubing connections for leaks.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: This choice is correct because slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates that the suction is working properly and maintaining a negative pressure in the pleural space. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's respiratory status, such as breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate, to assess the effectiveness of the chest drainage system.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because checking the suction control outlet on the wall is not necessary unless there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber, which would indicate a problem with the suction source or setting. The nurse should ensure that the suction control outlet is set at the prescribed level, usually between 10 and 20 cm H2O.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because clamping the chest tube is not indicated unless there is a leak in the system or the chest drainage unit needs to be changed. Clamping the chest tube may cause a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space, which can lead to tension pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because checking the tubing connections for leaks is not necessary unless there is continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber, which would indicate an air leak in the system. The nurse should ensure that all tubing connections are tight and secure, and tape any loose connections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the client is not unconscious, as the GCS score ranges from 3 to 15, with 3 being the lowest possible score and indicating deep coma or death.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because the client can follow simple motor commands, as the GCS score for best motor response is 5, which means the client can localize pain by moving his limbs away from the source of stimulation.To interpret the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score provided in the scenario:Eye Opening (E): 3 - The client opens their eyes in response to verbal stimuli.Best Verbal Response (V): 5 - The client is oriented and able to engage in coherent conversation.Best Motor Response (M): 5 - The client can localize pain or follow motor commands (depending on additional context). The total GCS score would be 3 + 5 + 5 = 13, indicating a mild level of impairment or responsiveness.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the client is able to make vocal sounds, as the GCS score for best verbal response is 5, which means the client can orient himself to person, place, and time.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the client does not open his eyes when spoken to, as the GCS score for eye opening is 3, which means the client only opens his eyes in response to pain.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because a client who is short of breath is in immediate danger, as it indicates a possible respiratory compromise or failure. The nurse should assess the client's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and lung sounds, and provide oxygen therapy as needed.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a client who received oral pain medication 30 min ago is not in immediate danger, as it indicates that the client's pain has been managed and the medication has had time to take effect.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is scheduled for an abdominal x-ray and is awaiting transport is not in immediate danger, as it indicates that the client's condition is stable and the diagnostic test is not urgent.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a client who has a prescription for discharge is not in immediate danger, as it indicates that the client's condition has improved and the client is ready to leave the hospital.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today