A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube following…

A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube following a left-sided pneumothorax. During routine assessment, the nurse notes that fluctuation in the water seal chamber has stopped. The patient’s SpO₂ is 94% on room air, breath sounds are equal bilaterally, and the patient denies dyspnea. What is the nurse’s priority action?  

A nurse responds to an alarm and finds that a patient’s trac…

A nurse responds to an alarm and finds that a patient’s tracheostomy tube has been accidentally dislodged. The tracheostomy was placed 2 days ago. The patient has a respiratory rate of 32 with intercostal retractions and an SpO₂ of 84%. What is the nurse’s priority action?  

A couple whose first child required prolonged mechanical ven…

A couple whose first child required prolonged mechanical ventilation for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is expecting another baby. They ask the nurse, “What can we do to prevent this from happening again?” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A 3-year-old child awakens at 2300 with a sudden onset of a…

A 3-year-old child awakens at 2300 with a sudden onset of a barking cough, hoarse voice, and inspiratory stridor. The child is restless but responsive, and mild intercostal retractions are noted. It is a warm summer evening. The parents call the nurse advice line for guidance. Which initial intervention should the nurse recommend?