Nokea
The nurse is caring for a first-day postoperative thoracotomy patient. The nurse assesses that
the level of drainage has not increased over the last 3 hours. After assessing the patient’s
respiratory status, what should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the tubing for kinks. This is the best next step because stagnant drainage could be caused by a kink in the tubing, obstructing proper drainage. By checking for kinks, the nurse ensures proper functioning of the drainage system, preventing potential complications such as fluid buildup or infection.
Raising the system above the patient's heart (A) may not address the underlying issue of kinked tubing. Repositioning the patient (C) may not be necessary if the drainage is not related to patient positioning. Notifying the physician (D) should be done after checking the tubing for kinks, as it is important to troubleshoot and address the issue promptly.