Question

For the client with a closed chest tube drainage system connected to suction, which assessment would require additional assessment by the nurse?

A) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
B) Fluctuations in the water seal chamber with respirations
C) Drainage system with no evidence of air leaks
D) Absence of tidaling in the water seal chamber during inspiration and expiration

Answer 1

Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a closed chest tube drainage system indicates a potential air leak, requiring further assessment by the nurse, as it could compromise the recovery of the patient. C) Drainage system with no evidence of air leaks

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating a client with a closed chest tube drainage system connected to suction, a nurse should be attentive to the different signs that indicate how well the system is functioning. Among the assessment options, continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber typically signifies an air leak, which could potentially threaten patient recovery and would require the nurse to perform additional assessment. On the other hand, fluctuations in the water seal chamber with respirations (also known as tidaling) indicate that the system is functioning normally as the pressure changes within the thorax are being reflected in the water seal.

The absence of this tidaling during inspiration and expiration could also signal a problem, such as a lung that is not expanding properly or an obstruction in the chest tube, and could also require further assessment. Lastly, if there is no evidence of air leaks, this suggests the system is airtight, which is the desired outcome post-surgery or trauma recovery.