A client has recently had mitral valve replacement surgery. To prevent

A client has recently had mitral valve replacement surgery. To prevent excess serosanguineous fluid buildup, the nurse anticipates that care will include:

1. Increased oxygen therapy
2. Frequent chest physiotherapy
3. Incentive spirometry on a regularly scheduled basis
4. Chest tube placement in the thoracic cavity

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Chest tubes are inserted to remove air and fluids from the pleural space, to prevent air or fluid from reentering the pleural space, and to reestablish normal intrapleural and intrapulmonic pres-sures. The client who had mitral valve replacement surgery would be expected to have a chest tube postoperatively to prevent excess fluid buildup in the pleural space. Increased oxygen will not prevent excess fluid buildup. Frequent chest physiotherapy may help facilitate removal of secretions but will not prevent excess fluid buildup. Incentive spirometry is used to promote deep breathing and to prevent or treat atelectasis in the postoperative client. It will not prevent excess fluid buildup.