The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who has a chest tube connected to suction and a water seal drainage system. Which of the following indicates to the nurse that the chest tube is functioning properly?
Equal amount of fluid drainage in each collection chamber
Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber
Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber
Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Equal amount of fluid drainage in each collection chamber is not a sign of proper chest tube function. The amount of fluid drainage depends on the type and extent of the client's injury or surgery, and may vary from one chamber to another.
Choice B Reason: Fluctuation of the fluid level within the water seal chamber is a sign of proper chest tube function. It indicates that the chest tube is patent and that there is no air leak in the system. The fluid level should rise and fall with the client's respiratory cycle.
Choice C Reason: Continuous bubbling within the water seal chamber is not a sign of proper chest tube function. It indicates that there is an air leak in the system, either from the client's pleural space or from a loose connection. The nurse should locate and correct the source of the leak.
Choice D Reason: Absence of fluid in the drainage tubing is not a sign of proper chest tube function. It may indicate that the chest tube is obstructed, kinked, or clamped, or that the suction is not working properly. The nurse should assess and troubleshoot the chest tube system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the chest tube system, which can compromise the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space and impair lung expansion.
Choice B Reason: Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber is normal and expected, as it indicates that air is being removed from the pleural space.
Choice C Reason: Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber are normal and expected, as they reflect changes in intrathoracic pressure during inspiration and expiration.
Choice D Reason: Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber is normal and expected, as it indicates that suction is being applied to the chest tube system.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because clamping the client's chest tube can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because increasing the client's wall suction can cause excessive negative pressure in the pleural space, which can damage the lung tissue and impair ventilation.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because repositioning the client can help relieve chest burning, which may be caused by irritation of the intercostal nerves by the chest tube or by air trapping in the pleural space.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because stripping the client's chest tube can create high negative pressure in the pleural space, which can damage the lung tissue and impair ventilation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today