A client has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mmol/L, a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/dL, and a urine output of 350 mL/day. What is the best action by the nurse?

A client is diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax. Which physiologic effect of a spontaneous pneumothorax should the nurse include in a teaching plan for the client?

A client with a pulmonary embolus is intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. When suctioning the endotracheal tube, what should the nurse do?

A client’s respiratory status deteriorates, and endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation are instituted. What is the nurse’s most immediate intervention at this time?

A nurse is caring for a client with a pneumothorax who has a chest tube in place with a closed drainage system. Which of these actions by the nurse is correct?

During the first 36 hours after the insertion of chest tubes, when assessing the function of a three-chamber, closed-chest drainage system, the nurse identifies that the water in the underwater seal tube is not fluctuating. What initial action should the nurse take?

The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language that the parents will understand?

A nurse is caring for a client on mechanical ventilation. The nurse should monitor for which sign of hyperventilation?

A postoperative client is being weaned from mechanical ventilation. What is the most important factor for the nurse to consider when organizing activities?

A nurse is caring for a client who has chest tubes inserted to treat a hemothorax that resulted from a crushing chest injury. While planning care for a stationary chest tube drainage system, which purpose of the first chamber will the nurse consider?