The nurse caring for a client who has a pneumothorax notes ...

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The nurse caring for a client who has a pneumothorax notes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of the client's closed-chest drainage system. The nurse determines that which of the following is occurring?
 
  1. The pneumothorax is resolving.
  2. The drainage chamber is full.
  3. The suction to the system is shut off.
  4. There is an air leak somewhere in the system.

Question 2

The client who is seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been taking ritonavir (Norvir). The nurse tells the client that which follow-up laboratory study will be necessary while taking this medication?
 
  1. Platelet count
  2. Triglyceride level
  3. Prothrombin time (PT)
  4. International normalized ratio (INR)

[Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

4

Rationale: Continuous bubbling through both inspiration and expiration indicates that there is air leaking into the system. A resolving pneumothorax or a full drainage chamber would not cause bubbling with respiration in the water seal chamber. Shutting the suction off to the system stops bubbling in the suction control chamber but does not affect the water seal chamber.

Answer to Question 2

2

Rationale: Ritonavir (Norvir) is an antiretroviral (protease inhibitor) used in combination with other antiretroviral medications in the management of HIV infection. It can increase triglyceride levels; therefore, the client's triglyceride levels should be monitored. The platelet count, PT, and INR are not laboratory tests that would be monitored specifically in the client on this medication.

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Excellent

[amcvicar]

Great answer, keep it coming