Question

The nurse is precepting a nurse orientee caring for a pt with a chest tube who is 12 hrs Post-op from a left partial pneumonectomy. Which assessments will the nurse advise should be reported to the HCP immediately?

Answer 1

The nurse will advise the nurse oriented to report increased heart rate, hypoxemia, crackling sound in the lungs, abnormal sputum color, and a shadow on the chest radiograph to the healthcare provider immediately.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse will advise the nurse-oriented to report certain assessments to the healthcare provider immediately when caring for a patient with a chest tube who is 12 hours post-op from a left partial pneumonectomy. These assessments include:

1. Increased heart rate: An elevated heart rate may indicate increased stress on the heart and could be a sign of infection or other complications.
2. Hypoxemia: A lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood can be a serious concern and may require immediate intervention.
3. Crackling sound in the lungs: This may indicate the presence of fluid or mucus in the lungs, suggesting a potential complication such as pneumonia.
4. Abnormal sputum color: A greenish color may indicate the presence of infection or other abnormalities in the respiratory system.
5. Shadow on the chest radiograph: A shadow on the left lung may suggest a complication or abnormality that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.