ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Correct Answers Related

Review ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Correct Answers related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube. The client asks why the fluid in the water-seal chamber rises and falls. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

  • A. Your breathing pattern causes this.'
  • B. This means your lung is fully re-expande '
  • C. Suction pressure that is too high causes this.'
  • D. This indicates a possible air leak.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Your breathing pattern causes this." The fluctuation in the fluid level of the water-seal chamber of a chest tube system is directly related to changes in intrathoracic pressure during breathing. As the client breathes in and out, the negative pressure in the pleural space increases and decreases, causing the fluid to rise and fall in the water-seal chamber. This movement is a normal physiological response and indicates proper functioning of the chest tube system. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately explain the reason for the fluid fluctuation in the water-seal chamber. Choice B is incorrect as lung re-expansion does not directly cause the fluid movement. Choice C is incorrect as high suction pressure does not cause this specific phenomenon. Choice D is incorrect as fluid movement does not indicate an air leak.