Nclex Questions Management of Care Related

Review Nclex Questions Management of Care related questions and content

A small amount of bubbling is seen in the water seal of a pleural drainage system when a client coughs. What should the nurse do?

  • A. Consider it a normal finding.
  • B. Check the system for leaks.
  • C. Clamp the chest tube.
  • D. Change the drainage system.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A small amount of bubbling is a normal finding in the water seal of a pleural drainage system when a client coughs. It is only a problem to find continuous, excessive bubbling in the water seal, which indicates a leak. Checking the system for leaks would be appropriate if there is continuous, excessive bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or changing the drainage system is not necessary in response to a small amount of bubbling during a cough, as this is considered a normal finding.