The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube that was placed 2 hours ago for a pneumothorax. Where would the nurse expect gentle, continuous bubbling?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube that was placed 2 hours ago for a pneumothorax.  Where would the nurse expect gentle, continuous bubbling?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_ca55_216d_b433_419e4308a099_MD0009_00 The suction control chamber (Section A) maintains and controls suction to the chest drainage system; continuous, gentle bubbling indicates that the suction level is appropriate. The amount of suction is controlled by the amount of water in the chamber and not by wall suction. Increasing the amount of wall suction would cause vigorous bubbling but does not increase suction to the client as excess suction is drawn out through the vent of the suction control chamber. Vigorous bubbling would increase water evaporation and therefore decrease the negative pressure applied to the system. The nurse should check the water level and add sterile water, if necessary, to maintain the prescribed level. (Option A) The air leak monitor (Section C) is part of the water seal chamber. Continuous or intermittent bubbling seen here indicates the presence of an air leak. (Option B) The collection chamber (Section D) is where drainage from the client will accumulate. The nurse will assess amount and color of the fluid and record as output. (Option D) The water seal chamber contains water, which prevents air from flowing into the client. Up and down movement of fluid (tidaling) in Section B would be seen with inspiration and expiration and indicates normal functioning of the system. This will gradually reduce in intensity as the lung reexpands. Educational objective: The nurse should observe gentle, continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber. This indicates patency and the appropriate level of suction being applied to the drainage system.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with a Chest