Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube following a lobectomy. Which of the following items should the nurse keep easily accessible for the client?

A) Container of sterile water
B) Box of tissues for comfort
C) Unlabeled medications for convenience
D) Dirty linen for disposal

Answer 1

Container of sterile water is the item items the nurse should keep easily accessible for the client. Option A is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should keep a container of sterile water easily accessible for the client with a chest tube following a lobectomy. Sterile water is crucial for maintaining the chest tube system's integrity and suction.

It's used to create the necessary seal in the water seal chamber, ensuring proper functioning of the chest tube by allowing for the drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space. This sterile water assists in preventing air leaks and maintaining the prescribed pressure gradient within the system, which aids in the re-expansion of the lung and promotes healing.

Sterile water serves as an essential component in managing the chest tube, and its accessibility is critical in case the water levels need adjustment or if there's an issue with the chest drainage system. It enables the nurse to promptly address any concerns related to the functioning of the chest tube, ensuring the client's respiratory stability and post-operative recovery.

Option A is the right answer.