ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min is a significant change that should alert the healthcare professional to a potential serious complication. Such a drastic increase in respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia, which are critical conditions requiring immediate attention. The other options show minor changes in vital signs that are within normal limits and are less likely to indicate a serious complication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily helps to thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to expectorate. This can assist the client in coughing up the tenacious secretions. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position can aid in improving lung expansion but may not directly address the issue of clearing the secretions. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can help improve oxygenation but does not specifically target the removal of bronchial secretions. Selecting a low-salt diet is important for overall health, but it does not directly address the client's immediate concern of clearing the bronchial secretions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, weakness is a common manifestation due to the immune system attacking the communication between nerves and muscles. Monitoring for weakness is crucial to assess the disease progression and determine the effectiveness of treatment. Confusion is not a typical manifestation of myasthenia gravis. Increased intracranial pressure and increased urinary output are not directly associated with this condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a client's heart rate increases and becomes irregular during suctioning of an endotracheal tube, it indicates potential hypoxemia. Performing pre-oxygenation before suctioning helps prevent hypoxemia and subsequent dysrhythmias. This intervention ensures that the client has adequate oxygen reserves before the procedure, reducing the risk of complications related to suctioning.