The nurse is assessing the patient with a chest tube placed 3 days ago for a pneumothorax. Which finding indicates that there may be a problem with the apparatus?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which finding indicates a potential problem with a chest tube apparatus in a patient who had it placed for a pneumothorax. It presents four options related to observations that a nurse might make during an assessment.
Answer
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
The final answer is there is continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is there is continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
More Information
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber can indicate an air leak, which is a problem with the chest tube apparatus.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing bubbling in the suction chamber with the water seal chamber. Bubbling in the suction chamber is expected and normal.
Sources
- Chest Tube Management | Free NURSING.com Courses - nursing.com
- Chest Tubes Chap 26 and Chap 43 Flashcards - brainscape.com
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