ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical Related

Review ATI Detailed Answer Key Medical Surgical related questions and content

A client is 12 hours postoperative and has a chest tube to a disposable water-seal drainage system with suction. The healthcare provider should intervene for which of the following observations?

  • A. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber
  • B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
  • C. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber
  • D. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the system, which can lead to lung collapse. The water-seal chamber should have intermittent bubbling during exhalation but should not bubble continuously. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber (A) is expected and indicates proper suction is being applied. Bloody drainage in the collection chamber (C) is common in the immediate postoperative period. Fluid-level fluctuations in the water-seal chamber (D) can be normal due to changes in intrathoracic pressure.