Question 1

1 / 1 pts

Which of the following is an expected finding for a chest tube located in the

sixth lateral intercostal space?

Correct!

Over time the volume of drainage decreases and the color changes from

sanguineous to serous.

Over time the volume of drainage increases and the color remains

sanguineous.

Over time the volume of drainage decreases and the color changes from

serous to sanguineous.

There is no drainage; only air escapes the pleural space.

A hemothorax that is resolving properly will have a decrease in the volume of

drainage and a color change of drainage from sanguineous (red) to serous. A

hemothorax with complications will have steady or increased volume without

fluid color change. A pneumothorax (with the usual chest tube location of the

second or third intercostal space) will resolve as air is expelled from the

pleural space.

Question 2

1 / 1 pts

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a chest tube for a hemothorax. The

nurse notices that when the patient coughs, there is a gush of blood in the

drainage system. What action should the nurse take?

Notify the health care provider immediately.