Author Question: The nurse is evaluating a patient who has a chest tube. To properly maintain chest tube function, ... (Read 92 times)

Mr.Thesaxman · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is evaluating a patient who has a chest tube. To properly maintain chest tube function, what is the nurse's best action?

a. Strip the tube every hour to maintain drainage.
b. Place the device below the patient's chest.
c. Double clamp the tubes except during as-sessments.
d. Remove the tubing from the drainage de-vice to check for proper suctioning.

Question 2

A middle-aged client is distraught at receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in spite of being conscientious about her health for the majority of her adult life. The client tells the nurse, I can't believe I no longer have my health.

The nurse should be aware that the World Health Organization defines health as A) The absence of acute and chronic health issues that affect the client's quality of life.
B) A level of function that is equal to or superior to individuals of similar age.
C) The ability to contribute unimpeded to the quality of life on oneself and others.
D) A state of physical, mental, and social well-being.

britb2u · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Observe the chest drainage system to be sure it is upright and below the level of tube insertion. Most institution have stopped stripping the chest tube because this greatly increases intrapleural pressure unless the patient is fresh from postoperative thoracic surgery or has chest trauma. Chest tubes are only clamped under specific circumstances per health care provider's order or nursing policy to assess for an air leak, to quickly empty or change disposable drainage systems, or to assess if the chest tube is ready to be removed. Clamping the chest tube is not recommended because it may result in a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening event. Removing the tubing would cause a disruption in the suctioning of the chest tube and should not be done.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
The WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition does not preclude the other listed aspects of health, but none of these is considered definitive by the WHO.