a patient has a chest tube with continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber what does this indicate

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet

1. What does continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicate?

A. An air leak
B. A blockage in the chest tube
C. Normal chest tube function
D. Malfunction in the drainage system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the chest tube system. This bubbling occurs when air is escaping through the tube and entering the water seal chamber. Choice B, a blockage in the chest tube, is incorrect as continuous bubbling does not suggest a blockage. Choice C, normal chest tube function, is incorrect because continuous bubbling is not an expected finding in a properly functioning chest tube. Choice D, a malfunction in the drainage system, is incorrect as continuous bubbling specifically points towards an air leak, not a general malfunction.

2. A client scheduled for electromyography (EMG) will have small needle electrodes inserted into the muscles. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. You will receive a fixed dose of radioisotope 2 hours before the procedure.
B. Momentary flushing will occur at the beginning of the procedure.
C. You should inform your provider if you are claustrophobic.
D. You should expect insertion of small needle electrodes into the muscles.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. During an electromyography (EMG) procedure, small needle electrodes are inserted into the muscles to assess muscle weakness and nerve responses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because radioisotope is not used in EMG, flushing is not a typical occurrence, and claustrophobia is more relevant for imaging procedures like MRI or CT scans, not EMG.

3. What is the primary concern in a patient with a low CD4 T-cell count in HIV?

A. Increased risk of infection
B. Increased risk of bleeding
C. Decreased immunity leading to opportunistic infections
D. Increased risk of cardiac complications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased risk of infection. In HIV patients with a low CD4 T-cell count, the primary concern is the increased susceptibility to infections due to compromised immunity. This compromised immune system can lead to various infections, making infection control crucial. Choice B, increased risk of bleeding, is not directly associated with a low CD4 count in HIV. Option C, decreased immunity leading to opportunistic infections, conveys a similar concern as the correct answer but lacks specificity. Choice D, increased risk of cardiac complications, is not typically the primary concern in HIV patients with a low CD4 count, as infections and opportunistic diseases pose more immediate threats to health.

4. What should be taught to a patient following cataract surgery?

A. Avoid NSAIDs
B. Wear dark glasses when outdoors
C. Report green or yellow drainage immediately
D. Itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid NSAIDs after cataract surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Choice B, wearing dark glasses when outdoors, is generally recommended after cataract surgery to protect the eyes from bright sunlight, but it is not the most critical instruction. Choice C, reporting green or yellow drainage immediately, is important to monitor for signs of infection, but it is not specific to cataract surgery. Choice D, itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea, is not the most crucial advice post-cataract surgery. Therefore, the key instruction is to avoid NSAIDs to minimize bleeding risk.

5. A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will be placed in halo traction following surgical repair of the cervical spine. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A. Inspect the pin site every 4 hours
B. Monitor the client's skin under the halo vest
C. Ensure two personnel hold the halo device when repositioning the client
D. Apply powder to the client's skin under the vest to decrease itching

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's skin under the halo vest. This is important to assess for signs of skin issues such as excessive sweating, redness, or blistering, which can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Choice A is incorrect because while inspecting the pin site is important, it should be done more frequently than every 4 hours. Choice C is incorrect as the halo device should be supported by the client's body weight, not personnel, when repositioning. Choice D is incorrect because applying powder frequently can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.