A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed water-seal drainage system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber
- B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction chamber
- C. Clear drainage of 50 mL over 8 hours
- D. Mild pain at the insertion site
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber. This finding indicates an air leak in the system, which can compromise the client's respiratory status. The continuous bubbling signifies that air is escaping through the chest tube rather than being properly drained. The nurse should report this to the provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention to prevent pneumothorax or other complications.
The other choices (B, C, D) are incorrect because intermittent bubbling in the suction chamber is expected as it indicates proper functioning of the system. Clear drainage of 50 mL over 8 hours is within normal limits and does not pose an immediate threat to the client. Mild pain at the insertion site is also a common finding after chest tube insertion and does not require urgent intervention unless it worsens or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is scheduled for a bronchoscopy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. You will not be able to eat or drink after the procedure until you are able to cough.
- B. You will need to take deep breaths through your nose during the procedure.
- C. The procedure is painful and sedation will not be used.
- D. You will need to stay on bed rest for 24 hours after the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: You will not be able to eat or drink after the procedure until you are able to cough.
Rationale: It is important for the client to know that they will not be able to eat or drink post-bronchoscopy until they can cough effectively to prevent aspiration. This instruction reduces the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. The nurse should emphasize the importance of clearing secretions by coughing before resuming oral intake.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Taking deep breaths through the nose is not necessary during bronchoscopy; the procedure involves visualization of the airways, not breathing techniques.
C: Bronchoscopy is usually performed under sedation, and the client should be informed about the use of sedation to manage pain and discomfort.
D: Bed rest for 24 hours after bronchoscopy is unnecessary; the client can resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider.
A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple leg fractures and is 24 hr postoperative following placement of skeletal traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Inspect the pin sites at least every 8 hr.
- B. Apply direct pressure to pin sites.
- C. Remove traction weights for comfort.
- D. Encourage vigorous movement of the affected limb.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Inspect the pin sites at least every 8 hr.
Rationale:
1. Inspecting pin sites regularly is crucial to monitor for signs of infection or other complications.
2. Postoperative clients with skeletal traction are at high risk for pin site infections.
3. Regular inspection allows early detection and intervention to prevent complications.
4. Waiting longer than every 8 hours may lead to delayed identification of issues.
Summary:
B. Applying direct pressure is contraindicated as it can cause harm.
C. Removing traction weights without medical order can lead to complications.
D. Encouraging vigorous movement is inappropriate and can cause harm.
A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is confused, has a temperature of 40° C (104° F), a BP of 74/52 mm Hg, and a diagnosis of exertional heat stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer oxygen using a high-concentration mask.
- B. Give the client cold fluids orally.
- C. Apply a heating pad to prevent shivering.
- D. Encourage the client to walk to promote circulation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen using a high-concentration mask. In exertional heat stroke, the body's ability to regulate temperature is compromised, leading to confusion, high temperature, and low blood pressure. Oxygen therapy helps support oxygenation during heat stress. It takes priority to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent hypoxia, which can worsen the client's condition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Giving cold fluids orally can potentially induce shock in a hypotensive client. Applying a heating pad can lead to further increase in body temperature. Encouraging the client to walk can exacerbate heat stress and increase the risk of collapse.
An emergency room nurse is assessing a client who has asthma and difficulty breathing. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing status asthmaticus?
- A. Mild wheezing
- B. Use of accessory muscles
- C. Decreased respiratory rate
- D. Productive cough
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use of accessory muscles. In status asthmaticus, a severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbation, the client's airways are severely constricted, leading to inadequate air exchange. The use of accessory muscles (such as intercostal and supraclavicular muscles) indicates significant respiratory distress as the body tries to compensate for the difficulty in breathing. Mild wheezing (choice A) may be present in asthma but does not necessarily indicate status asthmaticus. Decreased respiratory rate (choice C) is not consistent with the increased respiratory effort seen in status asthmaticus. Productive cough (choice D) is more indicative of conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, not necessarily status asthmaticus.
A nurse is providing teaching to a group of clients about the prevention of coronary artery disease. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Walk 30 min daily at a comfortable pace.
- B. Avoid all sources of dietary fat.
- C. Increase sodium intake to prevent dehydration.
- D. Only exercise if experiencing symptoms.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Walk 30 min daily at a comfortable pace.
Rationale: Regular physical activity, such as walking, helps prevent coronary artery disease by improving cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress. Walking for 30 minutes daily at a comfortable pace can improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Summary of other choices:
B: Avoiding all sources of dietary fat is not recommended as the body needs healthy fats for various functions.
C: Increasing sodium intake does not prevent coronary artery disease and can actually contribute to hypertension, a risk factor for the disease.
D: Only exercising when experiencing symptoms is not proactive in preventing coronary artery disease and may lead to missed opportunities for prevention.