The nurse is taking care of a 60-year-old client with constant bubbling in the water seal chamber. The nurse knows that constant bubbling in the water seal of a chest drainage system indicates which problem?
Air leak
Tension pneumothorax
Kink in the tubing
Increased drainage
Tidaling
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest drainage system typically indicates an air leak. This can occur if there is a break in the system, allowing air to enter. The air leak could be from the chest tube insertion site, the tubing, or the drainage system itself. Identifying and correcting the source of the air leak is crucial to ensure the system functions properly and the patient’s condition does not worsen.
Choice B Reason:
A tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased pressure on the lungs and other thoracic structures. While a tension pneumothorax can cause significant respiratory distress, it is not typically indicated by constant bubbling in the water seal chamber. Instead, signs of tension pneumothorax include tracheal deviation, hypotension, and severe respiratory distress.
Choice C Reason:
A kink in the tubing of a chest drainage system can obstruct the flow of air and fluid, but it does not cause constant bubbling in the water seal chamber. Instead, a kink would likely result in a lack of drainage or intermittent bubbling as the obstruction temporarily blocks and then allows passage of air or fluid.
Choice D Reason:
Increased drainage in a chest tube system indicates that more fluid or air is being removed from the pleural space, but it does not cause constant bubbling in the water seal chamber. Increased drainage might be seen in cases of hemothorax or pleural effusion, where large amounts of fluid are present.
Choice E Reason:
Tidaling refers to the normal rise and fall of water in the water seal chamber with the patient’s respiratory cycle. It indicates that the chest tube is patent and functioning correctly. Absence of tidaling could suggest that the lung has fully re-expanded or that there is an obstruction in the system. However, tidaling itself does not cause constant bubbling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is an appropriate solution for treating hypernatremia, especially in a client who is NPO (nothing by mouth). This hypotonic solution helps to gradually reduce the serum sodium levels by providing free water to the extracellular space, which dilutes the high sodium concentration. It is essential to administer this solution slowly to avoid rapid shifts in fluid balance, which can lead to cerebral edema.
Choice B Reason:
Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride (D5NS) is not the best choice for treating hypernatremia. While it provides some free water, the presence of 0.9% sodium chloride makes it an isotonic solution, which does not effectively lower serum sodium levels. This solution is more suitable for maintaining fluid balance rather than correcting hypernatremia.
Choice C Reason:
Lactated Ringer’s is also not appropriate for treating hypernatremia. This isotonic solution contains electrolytes, including sodium, which can exacerbate hypernatremia rather than correct it. Lactated Ringer’s is typically used for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement in other clinical scenarios.
Choice D Reason:
Dextrose 10% in water (D10W) is a hypertonic solution and is not suitable for treating hypernatremia. While it provides free water, the high concentration of dextrose can lead to rapid shifts in fluid balance and potential complications such as hyperglycemia. This solution is generally used for providing calories and preventing hypoglycemia in specific clinical situations.
Correct Answer is ["B"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
I sleep at least 8 hours each night.
This statement is not concerning because getting adequate sleep is generally a sign of good health. It does not directly relate to symptoms of high blood glucose levels. Therefore, this choice is not relevant to the nurse’s concerns regarding the client’s elevated blood glucose level.
Choice B Reason:
I cannot seem to quench my thirst.
This statement is concerning because excessive thirst, known as polydipsia, is a common symptom of high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. When blood glucose levels are elevated, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. This symptom indicates that the client’s blood glucose levels may be poorly controlled, which requires medical attention.
Choice C Reason:
I have to void nearly every hour.
Frequent urination, or polyuria, is another symptom of high blood glucose levels. When there is too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb it. When they can’t keep up, the excess glucose is excreted into the urine, pulling fluids from the tissues and causing frequent urination. This symptom is a clear indicator of hyperglycemia and needs to be addressed by the nurse.
Choice D Reason:
At times my vision is blurry.
Blurred vision can be a symptom of high blood glucose levels. Elevated glucose levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to changes in vision. This symptom is concerning because it suggests that the client’s blood glucose levels are affecting their vision, which can be a sign of poorly managed diabetes or other complications.
Choice E Reason:
I have lost 10 pounds without even trying.
Unintentional weight loss is a concerning symptom of high blood glucose levels. When the body cannot use glucose for energy due to insulin resistance or lack of insulin, it starts to break down muscle and fat for energy, leading to weight loss. This symptom indicates that the client’s diabetes may be uncontrolled, and immediate medical intervention is necessary.
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