The nurse assesses a client's chest tube and finds continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. When the nurse clamps the chest tube close to the client's dressing, the bubbling stops. How does the nurse interpret this finding?
a. An air leak is present at the chest tube in-sertion site or in the thoracic cavity.
b. An air leak is present in the drainage sys-tem.
c. More water needs to be added to the water seal.
d. The system is functioning appropriately and no intervention is needed.
A
Bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates air drainage from the client and usually is seen when the client's intrathoracic pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, such as during ex-halation, coughing, or sneezing. When the air in the pleural space has been sufficiently removed, bubbling stops. Continuous bubbling indicates an air leak. If the air leak is in the thoracic cavity, air and air pressure increase in the thoracic cavity, forcing more air into the water seal chamber. This air movement is prevented when the chest tube is clamped close to the insertion site.
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