The OR nurse is setting up a water-seal chest drainage system for a patient who has just had a thoracotomy. The nurse knows that the amount of suction in the system is determined by the water level. At what suction level should the nurse set the system?
A) 20 cm H2O
B) 15 cm H2O
C) 10 cm H2O
D) 5 cm H2O
Ans: A
Feedback:
The amount of suction is determined by the water level. It is usually set at 20 cm H2O; adding more fluid results in more suction.
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Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).