NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions Related

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A client who is recovering from chest trauma is to be discharged home with a chest tube drainage system intact. The nurse should instruct the client to call the physician for which of the following?

  • A. Respiratory rate greater than 16 breaths/minute.
  • B. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
  • C. Fluid in the chest tube.
  • D. Fluctuation of fluid in the water-seal chamber.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak, requiring physician notification. A respiratory rate >16 is normal. Fluid in the tube and fluctuation are expected.