Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Related

Review Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions related questions and content

A client with a mediastinal chest tube is being assessed by a nurse. Which symptoms require the nurse's immediate intervention? (SATA)

  • A. Production of pink sputum
  • B. Tracheal deviation
  • C. Pain at insertion site
  • D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tracheal deviation. Tracheal deviation indicates a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Production of pink sputum may indicate blood-tinged sputum, which could be a sign of minor bleeding but does not require immediate intervention.
C: Pain at insertion site is common after chest tube insertion and can be managed with pain medication, not necessarily requiring immediate intervention.
D: Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate various issues, including pneumothorax, but tracheal deviation is a more specific and urgent sign that requires immediate attention.