The perioperative nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube when they notice an extensive amount of bubbling in the water seal chamber of the device. The patient has developed cyanosis and shallow breathing. What is the nurse's next action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should notify the physician. If the water seal chamber starts bubbling excessively and there is not an outside leak, the patient could be retaining air within the pleural cavity. Based on the patient's response of cyanosis and shallow breathing, the chest tube is not working correctly and the physician needs to be notified.

The Perioperative Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a Chest