Nurse Lei, caring for a client with a pneumothorax and who has had a chest tube inserted, continues gentle bubbling in the suction control chamber. What action is appropriate?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Do nothing, because this is an expected finding. When managing a client with a chest tube for a pneumothorax, gentle bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates that the system is functioning properly. This bubbling represents the movement of air and fluid out of the pleural space. It is important not to clamp the chest tube or increase suction pressure as this can lead to complications. Checking for an air leak is unnecessary in this scenario as continuous bubbling is an expected finding. Therefore, the appropriate action is to monitor the bubbling and ensure it remains gentle, as this signifies effective drainage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve pain by reducing inflammation, which can improve breathing and coughing for a client with pleurisy. NSAIDs do not act as mild narcotic analgesics (B) or glucocorticoids (C). While NSAIDs may alleviate surface pain (A), their primary mechanism is reducing inflammation to relieve pain and improve respiratory function.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tuberculosis. Hemoptysis is a hallmark symptom of tuberculosis due to the erosion of blood vessels in the lungs by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The persistent cough in tuberculosis is often productive and accompanied by bloody sputum. Emphysema (A) is characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing, not hemoptysis. Cystic fibrosis (B) presents with thick mucus production, not bloody sputum. Sinusitis (C) typically causes nasal congestion and facial pain, not hemoptysis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: tidal volume. Tidal volume is the amount of air moved into and out of the lungs during normal breathing. It represents the normal, resting breathing pattern. Inspirational capacity (A) is the maximum amount of air the lungs can hold after a maximum inhalation. Reserve volume (B) is the additional air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal exhalation. Alveolar volume (D) refers to the amount of air in the alveoli available for gas exchange. Tidal volume best represents the amount of air exchanged during normal breathing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Surface tension in alveolar fluid is reduced by surfactant, a substance that lowers the surface tension of the fluid lining the alveoli. This helps prevent alveolar collapse during expiration. Mucus (A) and sebum (B) do not play a role in reducing surface tension in the alveoli. Water (D) is a component of alveolar fluid but does not specifically reduce surface tension like surfactant does.