ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical Related

Review ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical related questions and content

When assessing a client with a pneumothorax and a chest tube, which finding should the nurse notify the provider about?

  • A. Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side
  • B. Bubbling of the water in the water seal chamber with exhalation
  • C. Crepitus in the area above and surrounding the insertion site
  • D. Eyelets not visible
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side indicates tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Step 2: This finding can lead to compromised breathing and hemodynamic instability if not addressed promptly.
Step 3: B: Bubbling in the water seal chamber with exhalation is expected in a properly functioning chest tube system.
Step 4: C: Crepitus at the insertion site is common due to air entering subcutaneous tissue during tube placement and is not an urgent concern.
Step 5: D: Eyelets not visible can indicate dislodgement but is not as critical as tracheal deviation in this scenario.