HESI RN Medical Surgical Nursing Related

Review HESI RN Medical Surgical Nursing related questions and content

The drainage in the chest tube of a client with emphysema has changed from viscous green to clear watery fluid. Which action is best for the nurse to take?

  • A. Schedule a portable chest x-ray per PRN protocol.
  • B. Maintain the current IV antibiotic schedule.
  • C. Obtain a specimen of the drainage for culture.
  • D. Milk' the tube to remove any clots.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A culture of the changed drainage assesses for infection or other causes, prioritizing over imaging, antibiotics, or tube manipulation.