ATI RN
ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical
1. A client is 12 hours postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The healthcare provider should intervene for which of the following observations?
- A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber
- B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
- C. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber
- D. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak, which can compromise the system's integrity and affect the client's respiratory status. The other options are expected findings in a client with a chest tube drainage system: constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber indicates proper suction function, bloody drainage in the collection chamber is expected in the immediate postoperative period, and fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber demonstrate normal drainage and lung re-expansion.
2. A client developed fat embolism syndrome (FES) following a fracture. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Decreased serum calcium level
- B. Decreased level of serum lipids
- C. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- D. Increased platelet count
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In fat embolism syndrome (FES), fat globules enter the bloodstream and can lead to various complications, including a decrease in serum calcium levels. This occurs due to the formation of fat emboli in the vessels, which can interfere with calcium metabolism. Therefore, a decreased serum calcium level is an expected laboratory finding in a client with fat embolism syndrome.
3. A client has returned from the surgical suite following surgery for a fractured mandible with intermaxillary fixation. Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?
- A. Prevent aspiration.
- B. Ensure adequate nutrition.
- C. Promote oral hygiene.
- D. Relieve the client's pain.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Preventing aspiration is the priority for a client with intermaxillary fixation following mandibular surgery. Aspiration can occur due to difficulty swallowing or improper positioning, posing a serious risk to the client's respiratory status. It is crucial for the nurse to ensure that the client's airway is clear and that they are positioned correctly to prevent any potential aspiration events.
4. A client is 1-day postoperative following a left lower lobectomy and has a chest tube in place. When assessing the client's three-chamber drainage system, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Continue to monitor the client as this is an expected finding.
- B. Add more water to the suction control chamber of the drainage system.
- C. Verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for leaks.
- D. Milk the chest tube and dislodge any clots in the tubing that are occluding it.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In a three-chamber chest drainage system, the absence of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates that no suction is being applied to the chest tube. The nurse should first verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for any leaks that may be causing the lack of suction. Adding more water to the chamber or milking the chest tube are inappropriate actions and could potentially harm the client. Monitoring the client without taking action could lead to complications if the chest tube is not functioning properly.
5. When assessing a client with a pneumothorax and a chest tube, which finding should the nurse notify the provider about?
- A. Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side
- B. Bubbling of the water in the water seal chamber with exhalation
- C. Crepitus in the area above and surrounding the insertion site
- D. Eyelets not visible
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side is concerning as it can indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention. The trachea should be midline, so any deviation should be reported promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.
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