Chest tubes
Chest tubes ( 15 Questions)
The nurse should instruct the patient and their family to keep the drainage system below the chest level at all times. This positioning helps ensure proper drainage of fluid or air from the chest, preventing any backflow or obstruction in the system. Gravity assists in maintaining the drainage flow, promoting the effectiveness of the chest tube.
Deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential while the chest tube is in place. These exercises help prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions. The patient should be encouraged to perform these exercises as directed by the healthcare provider.
The nurse should educate the patient and their family to notify the physician immediately if they observe any subcutaneous emphysema around the chest tube site. Subcutaneous emphysema is a potential complication of chest tube placement, indicating air leakage into the tissues. Prompt notification allows for timely intervention to prevent further complications.
The nurse should inform the patient that the drainage color may change from serosanguineous (pale, pink, or slightly bloody) to bright red during the recovery process. Initially, the drainage may be bloody, but as healing progresses, it should become clearer. However, if the drainage suddenly becomes bright red, it could indicate active bleeding, and the healthcare provider should be notified immediately.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the patient and their family to keep the drainage system below the chest level at all times. This positioning helps ensure proper drainage of fluid or air from the chest, preventing any backflow or obstruction in the system. Gravity assists in maintaining the drainage flow, promoting the effectiveness of the chest tube.
Choice B rationale:
Deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential while the chest tube is in place. These exercises help prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions. The patient should be encouraged to perform these exercises as directed by the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should educate the patient and their family to notify the physician immediately if they observe any subcutaneous emphysema around the chest tube site. Subcutaneous emphysema is a potential complication of chest tube placement, indicating air leakage into the tissues. Prompt notification allows for timely intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should inform the patient that the drainage color may change from serosanguineous (pale, pink, or slightly bloody) to bright red during the recovery process. Initially, the drainage may be bloody, but as healing progresses, it should become clearer. However, if the drainage suddenly becomes bright red, it could indicate active bleeding, and the healthcare provider should be notified immediately.