RN Medical Surgical Hesi Exam Related

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Following a motor vehicle accident, a client with chest trauma receives a chest tube to relieve a hemothorax. Two hours following the chest tube insertion, the nurse observes the water level in the water-seal chamber is rising during inspiration and falling during expiration. Which action should the nurse implement?

  • A. Lift and clear drainage from the chest tube.
  • B. Inspect the tube insertion site for leaking.
  • C. Continue to monitor the drainage system.
  • D. Auscultate lungs for unequal breath sounds.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Continuing to monitor the drainage system is the best action for the nurse to implement, as the water level fluctuations are normal and expected in a water-seal drainage system. The water level should rise during inspiration and fall during expiration, reflecting the changes in intrathoracic pressure.