The nurse is caring for a client involved in a motor vehicle collision who had a chest tube inserted to evacuate a pneumothorax caused by fractured ribs. Where would the nurse observe an air leak?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client involved in a motor vehicle collision who had a chest tube inserted to evacuate a pneumothorax caused by fractured ribs.  Where would the nurse observe an air leak?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_ca54_d34c_b433_93c53c29bd1e_MD0009_00 The presence of an air leak is indicated by continuous bubbling of fluid at the base of the water seal chamber. If the client has a known pneumothorax, intermittent bubbling would be expected. Once the lung has re-expanded and the air leak is sealed, the bubbling will cease. The nurse is expected to assess for the presence or absence of an air leak and to determine whether it originates from the client or the chest tube system. (Option A) Section A is the suction control chamber. Gentle, continuous bubbling indicates that suction is present. (Option B) Section B is part of the water seal chamber, but an air leak will not be evident in this upper portion. Tidaling of fluid is expected in this portion of the chamber and indicates patency of the tube. (Option D) Section D is the collection chamber, where drainage from the client will accumulate. The nurse will assess amount and color of the fluid and record these as output. Educational objective: An air leak is indicated by bubbling of fluid in the base of the water seal chamber of a chest tube drainage unit. The client with a known pneumothorax is expected to have an intermittent air leak, with bubbling in the water seal chamber. Continuous bubbling indicates an air leak somewhere in the chest tube system.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Involved in a Motor