The nurse observes air bubbles in a patient's chest tube water seal chamber. How should the nurse interpret this finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Air bubbles in the chest tube water seal chamber are expected findings in the immediate postoperative period or in patients with small residual pneumothorax. It is not an emergency and does not necessarily indicate worsening of the condition or a need to remove the chest tube. However, if the air leak and chest tube drainage persist for an extended period or increase over time, it may indicate a complication, such as a bronchopleural fistula or infection, and further investigation is necessary.

The Nurse Observes Air Bubbles in a Patient's Chest Tube