Which instruction is highest priority when the nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient with Addison's disease?

A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal as it indicates that the suction is active and functioning as intended. The chamber should have steady bubbling when suction is applied.
B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber is abnormal and indicates a potential air leak. The water-seal chamber should only bubble intermittently with respiratory effort or changes in pressure; constant bubbling suggests that air is being introduced into the system, which could indicate a malfunction or an air leak at the insertion site or along the tubing.
C. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber are normal and should be observed, especially with breathing. The fluid levels will rise with inspiration and fall with expiration, reflecting the changes in pressure within the pleural space.
D. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected immediately after surgery, particularly in the early postoperative period. It may be a sign of surgical site drainage, but if it becomes excessive or persists, further assessment is required. However, a small amount of blood in the collection chamber initially is not abnormal.

A. Ambulating frequently helps with overall circulation and lung expansion but does not directly affect the thinning of respiratory secretions.
B. Coughing and deep breathing help clear secretions but are not effective for thinning them.
C. The incentive spirometer is used to improve lung expansion and prevent atelectasis, but it does not directly thin secretions.
D. Increasing fluid intake helps thin respiratory secretions by providing hydration, which makes mucus easier to clear from the respiratory tract.