After insertion of a chest tube for a pneumothorax, a patient becomes hypotensive with neck vein distention, tracheal shift, absent breath sounds, and diaphoresis. The nurse suspects a tension pneumothorax has occurred

For what cause of tension pneumothorax should the nurse check?
A) Infection of the lung
B) Kinked or obstructed chest tube
C) Excessive water in the water-seal chamber
D) Excessive chest tube drainage


Ans: B
Feedback: Kinking and blockage of the chest tube is a common cause of a tension pneumothorax. Infection and excessive drainage don't cause a tension pneumothorax. Excessive water doesn't affect chest tube drainage.

Nursing

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