The nurse is caring for a client who has a pneumothorax and a water-seal chest tube drainage system to suction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Add tap water as needed to the suction control chamber.
Maintain the drainage container below the level of the client's chest.
Empty the collection container every shift.
Clamp the chest tubes if it becomes disconnected
The Correct Answer is B
A. Add tap water as needed to the suction control chamber.
This is not the correct action. The suction control chamber of a water-seal chest tube drainage system is typically filled with sterile water to the prescribed level by the healthcare provider during the initial setup. Adding tap water to the suction control chamber can disrupt the balance of the system and affect the prescribed suction level. The nurse should not add tap water without specific instructions from the healthcare provider.
B. Maintain the drainage container below the level of the client's chest.
This is the correct action. In a water-seal chest tube drainage system, it's important to keep the drainage container below the level of the client's chest. This positioning allows gravity to assist in the drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space into the drainage container. It also helps prevent backflow of fluid or air into the chest cavity, ensuring the effectiveness of the drainage system.
C. Empty the collection container every shift.
While it may be necessary to empty the collection container if it becomes full, emptying it every shift is not a set rule. The frequency of emptying the collection container should be based on the volume of drainage and the facility's policy. The nurse should monitor the collection container regularly and empty it when it reaches the appropriate level, typically around half full or as indicated by facility protocol.
D. Clamp the chest tubes if it becomes disconnected.
Clamping the chest tubes if they become disconnected is not recommended. It can lead to tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space and compresses the lung. If a chest tube becomes disconnected, the nurse should immediately assess the situation, secure the chest tube connections, and notify the healthcare provider for further management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Rest in a supine position.
This option is not recommended for improving gas exchange in emphysema. Resting in a supine position can lead to decreased lung expansion and increased dyspnea in individuals with emphysema. Optimal lung expansion is crucial for efficient gas exchange, and certain positions, such as sitting upright or using pillows to support the head and chest, are preferred to facilitate breathing.
B. Consume a low-protein diet.
A low-protein diet is not directly related to improving gas exchange in emphysema. In fact, adequate protein intake is important for maintaining overall health and supporting respiratory muscle function. Protein is necessary for tissue repair and maintaining muscle strength, including the respiratory muscles. Therefore, a balanced diet that includes adequate protein intake is recommended for individuals with emphysema.
C. Breathe in through her nose and out through pursed lips.
This is the correct choice. Breathing in through the nose and out through pursed lips helps to create positive pressure in the airways during exhalation. This positive pressure helps to keep the airways open, prevents premature collapse of the air sacs (alveoli), and facilitates more effective gas exchange. It also slows down the rate of breathing, reduces the work of breathing, and can alleviate shortness of breath (dyspnea) in individuals with emphysema.
D. Limit fluid intake throughout the day.
Limiting fluid intake throughout the day is not recommended for improving gas exchange in emphysema. Adequate hydration is important for thinning respiratory secretions, which can make it easier to clear mucus from the airways. Dehydration can worsen respiratory symptoms and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential for individuals with emphysema.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I'll rinse my mouth after taking this medication."
Montelukast is taken orally and is not associated with the risk of oral thrush or other mouth-related side effects that would require rinsing the mouth after administration. This action is more commonly associated with inhaled corticosteroids, not leukotriene receptor antagonists.
B. "I'll use this medication when I get an asthma attack."
Montelukast is not a rescue medication for asthma attacks. It is a long-term controller medication used to manage and prevent asthma symptoms, not to treat acute attacks. Short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol are used for quick relief during asthma attacks.
C. "I'll take this medication once a day in the evening."
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly used to manage asthma. It is typically taken orally once daily, usually in the evening, to provide 24-hour control of asthma symptoms and improve lung function. Therefore, the statement indicating an understanding of the teaching is option C.
D. "I'll decrease my sodium intake while I'm taking this medication."
Montelukast is not known to affect sodium levels in the body or require any specific dietary modifications, such as decreasing sodium intake. Therefore, this statement is unrelated to the use of montelukast for asthma management
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.