A client is admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The nurse notes that in the first hour after admission, the mediastinal chest tube drainage was 75 mL. During the second hour, the drainage has dropped to 5 mL. The nurse interprets this data and implements which intervention?
- A. Identifies that the tube is draining normally
- B. Assesses the tube to locate a possible occlusion
- C. Auscultates the lungs for appropriate bilateral expansion
- D. Assists the client with frequent coughing and deep breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After CABG surgery, chest tube drainage should not exceed 100 to 150 mL per hour during the first 2 hours postoperatively, and approximately 500 mL of drainage is expected in the first 24 hours after CABG surgery. The sudden drop in drainage between the first and second hour indicates that the tube is possibly occluded and requires further assessment by the nurse. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect interventions.
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A client arrives at the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding that began 3 hours ago. What is the priority action?
- A. Obtaining vital signs
- B. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube
- C. Asking the client about the precipitating events
- D. Completing an abdominal physical assessment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority action for the client with GI bleeding is to obtain vital signs to determine whether the client is in shock from blood loss and obtain a baseline by which to monitor the progress of treatment. The client may not be able to provide subjective data until the immediate physical needs are met. A complete abdominal physical assessment must be performed but is not the priority. Insertion of an NG tube may be prescribed but is not the priority action.
An infant diagnosed with spina bifida cystica (meningomyelocele type) has had the sac surgically removed. The nurse plans which intervention in the postoperative period to maintain the infant's safety?
- A. Covering the back dressing with a binder
- B. Placing the infant in a head-down position
- C. Strapping the infant in a baby seat sitting up
- D. Elevating the head with the infant in the prone position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Spina bifida is a central nervous system defect that results from failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development. Care of the operative site is carried out under the direction of the surgeon and includes close observation for signs of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The prone position is maintained after surgical closure to decrease the pressure on the surgical site on the back; however, many neurosurgeons allow side-lying or partial side-lying position unless it aggravates a coexisting hip dysplasia or permits undesirable hip flexion. Elevating the head will decrease the chance of cerebrospinal fluid collecting in the cranial cavity.
The nurse monitors the client taking amitriptyline for which common side effect?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Hypertension
- D. Increased salivation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Common side effects of amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) include the central nervous system effects of drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy, and sedation. Other common side effects include dry mouth or eyes, blurred vision, hypotension, and constipation. The nurse monitors the client for these side effects.
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving blood transfusion therapy. Which clinical manifestations should alert the nurse to a hemolytic transfusion reaction? Select all that apply.
- A. Headache
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Apprehension
- E. Distended neck veins
- F. A sense of impending doom
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Hemolytic transfusion reactions are caused by blood type or Rh incompatibility. When blood containing antigens different from the client's own antigens is infused, antigen-antibody complexes are formed in the client's blood. These complexes destroy the transfused cells and start inflammatory responses in the client's blood vessel walls and organs. The reaction may include fever and chills or may be life-threatening with disseminated intravascular coagulation and circulatory collapse. Other manifestations include headache, tachycardia, apprehension, a sense of impending doom, chest pain, low back pain, tachypnea, hypotension, and hemoglobinuria. The onset may be immediate or may not occur until subsequent units have been transfused. Distended neck veins are characteristics of circulatory overload.
The nurse is assigned to care for a client experiencing hypertonic labor contractions. The nurse plans to conserve the client's energy and promote rest by performing which intervention?
- A. Keeping the TV or radio on to provide distraction
- B. Assisting the client with breathing and relaxation techniques
- C. Keeping the room brightly lit so the client can watch her monitor
- D. Avoiding uncomfortable procedures such as intravenous infusions or epidural anesthesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breathing and relaxation techniques aid the client in coping with the discomfort of labor and conserving energy. Noise from a TV or radio and light stimulation does not promote rest. A quiet, dim environment would be more advantageous. Intravenous or epidural pain relief can be useful. Intravenous hydration can increase perfusion and oxygenation of maternal and fetal tissues and provide glucose for energy needs.
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