Which assessment by the nurse at the bedside of a patient with a chest tube attached to a water seal drainage device should require intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dependent loops in the chest tube can cause kinking and obstruct the flow of drainage, leading to complications such as pneumothorax or pulmonary edema. Therefore, this assessment requires intervention. The patient in a semi-Fowler position is an appropriate position to facilitate breathing and should not require intervention. Changing levels of water in the water seal chamber are expected and indicate proper functioning of the chest tube. An increased level of drainage to 20 mL in 8 hours may warrant further monitoring but may not necessarily require immediate intervention, as it can fluctuate depending on the patient's condition.

Which Assessment by the Nurse at the Bedside of a Patient