The nurse is providing care for a patient with a pneumothorax. ...

[burton19126]

The nurse is providing care for a patient with a pneumothorax. She anticipated removal of the chest tube because of the absence of an air leak for the past _____ hours.
 
  a. 6 to 8
  b. 12 to 16
  c. 18 to 24
  d. 48 to 72

Question 2

Of the following nursing assessments, which should be reported to the primary care provider immediately by the nurse?
 
  a. Bloody drainage from a patient with a hemothorax
  b. Subcutaneous emphysema is noted on assessment
  c. Bubbling in the water seal stops on a patient with a pneumothorax
  d. Over 300 mL of drainage has been collected in the system in the past hour

[mcinincha279]

Answer to Question 1

C
One of the signs that indicate that the chest tube may be removed is lack of an air leak for 24 to 48 hours. Lack of an air leak for less than 24 hours is usually not long enough, and there is no need to wait 4 days. Other findings that indicate that the chest tube may be removed include a chest x-ray showing lung reexpansion, minimal tube drainage, and lack of water-seal tidaling.

Answer to Question 2

D
Drainage exceeding 100 mL/hr should be reported immediately because this would be considered abnormal. Drainage would be expected to be bloody if the patient has a hemothorax. Cessation of bubbling in the water seal indicates that the air has been evacuated in the patient with a pneumothorax. Although the finding of subcutaneous emphysema should be reported, documented, and monitored, it is not an emergency.