The nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube that was inserted 4 days earlier. She notices that the drainage contains a large amount of pus. What does the presence of the pus indicate?
a. Malignancy
b. Pulmonary infarction
c. Empyema
d. Hemothorax
C
Pus indicates an empyema, which is a collection of pus in the pleural cavity, and the drainage is pus colored. Blood-tinged fluid usually indicates malignancy, pulmonary infarction, or severe inflammation. Frank blood indicates a hemothorax.
You might also like to view...
A nurse can demonstrate caring and support to a patient through demonstration or expression of
a. superior clinical skills. c. empathy and physical contact. b. uncertainty with prognosis. d. prioritizing care.
A client with glaucoma has the nursing diagnosis disturbed sensory perception: visual. Which of the following interventions would be appropriate for this client?
1. Assess coping mechanisms 2. Turn off lights when leaving the client's room 3. Provide assistance with meals and eating 4. Keep bed rails in the low position
Which statement about depression is true?
a. Depression does not affect the way a person interacts with others. b. Men are twice as likely to experience depression as women. c. Many older adults with depression are undiagnosed and untreated. d. Women are less likely than men to seek treatment for depression.
The nurse reviews information received about patients during hand-off communication. Which patient situation should the nurse recognize may support the need for involuntary commitment?
1. History of incarceration 2. Self-medication with marijuana 3. Threats made against family members 4. Presence of auditory hallucinations