A patient with a chest tube has no drainage in the collection chamber for 2 hours. What is the nurse's best action?

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Question 1 of 5

A patient with a chest tube has no drainage in the collection chamber for 2 hours. What is the nurse's best action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess for kinks or obstructions in the tubing. This is the best action because lack of drainage in the collection chamber could indicate a blockage in the tubing, preventing proper drainage. By assessing for kinks or obstructions first, the nurse can identify and address the issue causing the lack of drainage. Repositioning the patient may not address the underlying problem, clamping the chest tube could cause a tension pneumothorax, and removing the chest tube without addressing the cause could lead to complications.

Question 2 of 5

Which intervention is most important for a patient with rib fractures to prevent complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because administering pain medication before deep breathing helps manage pain during deep breathing exercises, which are essential for preventing atelectasis and pneumonia in patients with rib fractures. Shallow breathing (Choice B) can lead to complications, so it should not be encouraged. Applying a rib binder (Choice A) may restrict chest expansion and hinder deep breathing. Restricting fluid intake (Choice D) is not directly related to preventing complications from rib fractures.

Question 3 of 5

Which is the most effective intervention for preventing pneumonia in a hospitalized patient?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Promoting early ambulation. Early ambulation helps prevent pneumonia by reducing the risk of atelectasis, a common complication in hospitalized patients that can lead to pneumonia. Moving and mobilizing the patient helps to clear secretions and improve lung function. Antibiotics (choice A) are not recommended for routine prophylaxis due to concerns about antibiotic resistance. While oral care (choice C) and fluid intake (choice D) are important for overall patient health, they do not directly prevent pneumonia in hospitalized patients.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse assesses a patient with a chest tube and notes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What is the best action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for loose connections in the tubing. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak. Checking for loose connections ensures proper functioning of the chest tube drainage system. Clamping the chest tube (choice A) can lead to tension pneumothorax. Replacing the entire system (choice C) is unnecessary and costly. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) can be done after checking for loose connections.

Question 5 of 5

Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about asthma management?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because using a rescue inhaler before meals is not a recommended practice for asthma management. Rescue inhalers are typically used for immediate relief during asthma attacks, not as a preventive measure before meals. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of how to use the inhaler properly. Choice B is correct as it shows an understanding of avoiding triggers to manage asthma symptoms. Choice C is correct because taking the long-acting inhaler as prescribed is an essential part of asthma management. Choice D is also correct as carrying the inhaler at all times ensures readiness for any asthma exacerbation.

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