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

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicates an air leak. This bubbling occurs when air leaks from the patient's pleural space into the chest tube system. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent complications like a pneumothorax. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not indicative of normal chest tube function, a blockage in the chest tube, or a malfunction in the drainage system.

2. What precaution should be advised to a patient following a cataract surgery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Following cataract surgery, patients are advised to wear dark glasses while outdoors. This is crucial to protect the eyes from bright light and prevent complications such as excessive glare or discomfort. Choice B, avoiding NSAIDs, is not directly related to post-cataract surgery care. Choices C and D, using warm compresses and applying cold packs, are not typically part of the standard post-operative care for cataract surgery.

3. What is the priority intervention for a patient with unstable angina?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the priority intervention for a patient with unstable angina as it helps dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the heart, relieve chest pain, and prevent further cardiac damage. Establishing IV access (choice B) may be important but is not the priority over administering nitroglycerin in this scenario. Auscultating heart sounds (choice C) and administering aspirin (choice D) are also important aspects of managing unstable angina, but they are not the immediate priority intervention when a patient is experiencing chest pain.

4. What is the priority lab value for monitoring a patient with HIV?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3. Monitoring the CD4 T-cell count is crucial in patients with HIV as it serves as a key indicator of immune function. A count below 180 cells/mm3 indicates severe immunocompromise and an increased risk of opportunistic infections. Choice B, serum albumin levels, though important for assessing nutritional status, is not the priority lab value for HIV monitoring. Choice C, white blood cell count, is a nonspecific measure of immune function and may not accurately reflect the status of the immune system in HIV patients. Choice D, hemoglobin levels, are essential for evaluating anemia but are not the primary lab value for monitoring HIV.

5. What ECG changes are expected in hypokalemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In hypokalemia, flattened T waves are a common ECG finding due to the decreased extracellular potassium affecting repolarization. Prominent U waves are typically seen in hypokalemia as well, but flattened T waves are the more specific and early ECG change. Widened QRS complexes are associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. ST elevation is often seen in conditions like myocardial infarction, pericarditis, or early repolarization syndrome, not specifically in hypokalemia.

Similar Questions

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient admitted with possible acute coronary syndrome?
After a healthcare provider misreads a glucose level and administers insulin, what is the priority intervention?
What is the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing wheezing and coughing due to an allergic reaction?
A client who has burn injuries covering their upper body is concerned about their altered appearance. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
What is the first medication to give to a patient with an allergic reaction causing wheezing?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses