What is the purpose of an underwater seal for a thoracotomy tube?
A)to maintain a pressure consistent with pressure inside the lung itself
B)to prevent the negative pressure within the pleural space from pulling more air in through the chest tube
C)to reduce the pressure within the pleural space
D)to reduce the surface tension of the pleura

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Medical-surgical management involves insertion of a chest tube to drain air and fluid from the pleural space using a closed chest drainage system.The underwater seal for a thoracotomy tube prevents the negative pressure within the pleural space from pulling more air in through the chest tube.

What Is the Purpose of an Underwater Seal for a Thoracotomy