ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Related

Review ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2 related questions and content

A patient with a chest tube has continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What does this indicate?

  • A. An air leak
  • B. A blocked chest tube
  • C. Drainage from the site
  • D. Blood clot in the chest tube
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicates an air leak. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as lung collapse. A blocked chest tube would typically result in absent or fluctuating bubbling. Drainage from the site would be observed in the collection chamber, not the water seal chamber. A blood clot in the chest tube would lead to cessation of drainage.