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?

When providing discharge teaching for a young female client who had a pneumothorax, it is important that the nurse include the signs and symptoms of a recurring pneumothorax.  What is the most important symptom that the nurse should teach the client to report to the healthcare provider?

When caring for an intubated client receiving mechanical ventilation, the nurse hears the high-pressure alarm. Which action is most appropriate?

The ventilator of a client has leakage of air from its tubing. Alveolar hypoventilation is suspected. What blood gas value does the nurse expect to see?

When a client suffers a complete pneumothorax, there is danger of a mediastinal shift. If such a shift occurs, what potential effect is a cause for concern?