A patient who is being mechanically ventilated also has a pleural chest tube. The nurse becomes concerned that the chest tube is not functioning correctly
Which actions should the nurse take? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Look for tidaling in the tube.
2. Look for tidaling in the diagnostic fluid chamber.
3. Clamp the chest tube and monitor patient response.
4. Disconnect the suction source.
5. Increase the suction
1,2
Rationale 1: If fluid is present in the tubing, tidaling should occur as pressure within the thoracic cavity changes.
Rationale 2: Many chest tube drainage units have a diagnostic fluid chamber. Tidaling should occur in this chamber.
Rationale 3: The chest tube should not be clamped for any reason unless it is being removed.
Rationale 4: Disconnecting the suction source will not help assess if the chest tube is functioning correctly.
Rationale 5: Increasing the suction is not indicated and may damage lung tissue.
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a. "Test your urine daily for the presence of ketone bodies and proteins." b. "Use tampons rather than sanitary napkins during your menstrual period." c. "Drink more water and empty your bladder more frequently during the day." d. "Keep your hemoglobin A1c under 9% by keeping your blood sugar controlled."
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