Nokea
The client with a chest tube after a coronary artery bypass graft has significantly slowed drainage. What action is most important for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the provider immediately. This is the most important action because significantly slowed drainage in a client with a chest tube after surgery can indicate a potential complication like a blocked tube or bleeding. Notifying the provider allows for prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
Increasing the suction setting (choice A) without knowing the reason for slowed drainage can potentially worsen the situation. Re-positioning the chest tube (choice C) may not address the underlying issue causing the slowed drainage. Taking the tubing apart to assess for clots (choice D) should not be done by the nurse as it can introduce the risk of infection and requires sterile technique.