The nurse assesses a client who has a hemothorax and a chest tube inserted on the right side.What finding requires immediate attention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Puffiness of the skin around the chest tube and a crackling feeling indicate subcutaneous emphysema,or air leaking into the tissue around the insertion site.This must be addressed immediately.A hemothorax involves bleeding into the thoracic cavity and decreased lung inflation on the affected side,resulting in duller and less resonant percussion notes.Pain at the insertion site,fluctuation in the water seal,and dullness to percussion are all expected.

The Nurse Assesses a Client Who Has a Hemothorax and a Chest