Nokea
A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the tubing connections for leaks.
1. Slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates an air leak in the system.
2. Checking the tubing connections for leaks is the appropriate action to identify and fix the issue.
3. This helps maintain the integrity of the closed chest drainage system and prevent complications.
Other choices are incorrect:
B: Checking the suction control outlet on the wall is not necessary as the issue is likely within the tubing system.
C: Clamping the chest tube could lead to tension pneumothorax and is not recommended unless ordered by a physician.
D: Continuing to monitor the client's respiratory status does not address the underlying problem of the air leak.