A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system and needs to be transported to the x-ray department. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Clamp the chest tube during transport.
- B. Keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times.
- C. Remove the chest tube for transport.
- D. Allow the client to carry the drainage system.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the drainage system below the level of the client's chest at all times. This is crucial because maintaining the drainage system below the chest level prevents backflow of air or fluid into the client's chest cavity, which can lead to complications like tension pneumothorax or fluid re-entering the pleural space. Clamping the chest tube can cause a build-up of pressure and should only be done in emergency situations. Removing the chest tube is unsafe and can lead to respiratory distress. Allowing the client to carry the drainage system can risk dislodging the tube or causing tension on the connections. Therefore, the best option is to keep the drainage system below the chest level to ensure proper drainage and prevent complications.
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A nurse is implementing a plan of care for a client who has AIDS with recurring pneumonia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain a sputum culture
- B. Administer a chest X-ray
- C. Monitor for fever
- D. Provide oxygen therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain a sputum culture. This is essential to identify the specific pathogen causing the pneumonia in the client with AIDS. By identifying the pathogen, appropriate antibiotic therapy can be initiated promptly. Administering a chest X-ray (B) may help in evaluating the extent of pneumonia but does not address the underlying cause. Monitoring for fever (C) is important but does not provide specific information needed for targeted treatment. Providing oxygen therapy (D) may be necessary but does not address the root cause of the pneumonia.
A nurse receives a unit of packed RBCs from a blood bank and notes that the time is 1130. The nurse should begin the infusion at which of the following times?
- A. As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set
- B. At 1200
- C. At 1300
- D. At 1400
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set. It is important to start the infusion promptly to maximize the effectiveness of the blood transfusion. Delaying the infusion can lead to potential complications. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest delayed start times, which can be detrimental to the patient's health. Starting the infusion as soon as possible ensures that the patient receives the necessary blood components in a timely manner.
A nurse explains to a client why two chest tubes are in place after a lobectomy. What is the lower chest tube for?
- A. Draining air from the pleural space
- B. Draining blood and fluid from the pleural space
- C. Providing oxygen directly to the lungs
- D. Preventing lung collapse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lower chest tube after a lobectomy is to drain blood and fluid from the pleural space. This is crucial to prevent complications such as fluid accumulation, which can lead to infection or impaired lung expansion. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Draining air is usually done by the upper chest tube, C) Providing oxygen does not require a chest tube, and D) Preventing lung collapse is more related to the function of the upper chest tube in maintaining negative pressure in the pleural space.
A nurse is caring for a client who is HIV positive and is one day postoperative following an appendectomy. The nurse should wear a gown as personal protective equipment when taking which of the following actions?
- A. Changing the client's linens
- B. Administering oral medications
- C. Taking vital signs
- D. Completing a dressing change
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Completing a dressing change. When completing a dressing change for a client who is HIV positive and postoperative, the nurse should wear a gown as personal protective equipment to prevent potential exposure to blood or body fluids. This is crucial for infection control and to protect both the nurse and the client.
Choice A: Changing the client's linens does not necessarily require wearing a gown unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice B: Administering oral medications does not require wearing a gown as there is no risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice C: Taking vital signs also does not require wearing a gown unless there is a possibility of exposure to blood or body fluids during the procedure.
In summary, completing a dressing change involves the risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, hence the need for wearing a gown. Other actions listed do not carry the same level of risk, therefore do not require the use of a gown as personal protective
A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client following arthroscopic knee surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Keep the knee elevated above the heart at all times.
- B. Avoid physical therapy for 2 weeks.
- C. Apply ice to the affected area.
- D. Limit fluid intake to reduce swelling.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply ice to the affected area. Ice application helps reduce swelling and pain post-surgery. Keeping the knee elevated above the heart (A) is important, but not at all times as it can lead to other issues like blood pooling. Avoiding physical therapy for 2 weeks (B) is incorrect as early mobilization is crucial for recovery. Limiting fluid intake (D) is not recommended as hydration is essential for healing.