A nurse cares for a client who has a pleural chest tube. Which ...

[Alygatorr01285]

A nurse cares for a client who has a pleural chest tube. Which action should the nurse take to ensure safe use of this equipment?
 
  a. Strip the tubing to minimize clot formation and ensure patency.
  b. Secure tubing junctions with clamps to prevent accidental disconnections.
  c. Connect the chest tube to wall suction at the level prescribed by the provider.
  d. Keep padded clamps at the bedside for use if the drainage system is interrupted.

Question 2

A nurse cares for a client who tests positive for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. The client asks, What does this mean? How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. Your children will be at high risk for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  b. I will contact a genetic counselor to discuss your condition.
  c. Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, especially if you smoke.
  d. This is a recessive gene and should have no impact on your health.

[chem1s3]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Padded clamps should be kept at the bedside for use if the drainage system becomes dislodged or is interrupted. The nurse should never strip the tubing. Tubing junctions should be taped, not clamped. Wall suction should be set at the level indicated by the device's manufacturer, not the provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The gene for AAT is a recessive gene. Clients with only one allele produce enough AAT to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) unless the client smokes. A client with two alleles is at high risk for COPD even if not exposed to smoke or other irritants. The client is a carrier, and children may or may not be at high risk depending on the partner's AAT levels. Contacting a genetic counselor may be helpful but does not address the client's current question.