Adult Health 1 Final Exam Related

Review Adult Health 1 Final Exam related questions and content

The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

  • A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
  • B. Absence of drainage in the collection chamber
  • C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber
  • D. Presence of subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. This finding may indicate an air leak, which can compromise the effectiveness of the chest tube in re-expanding the lung. Absence of drainage in the collection chamber (choice B) may signify that the chest tube is blocked, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the client's condition. Tidaling in the water seal chamber (choice C) is an expected finding and indicates proper functioning of the chest tube system. Presence of subcutaneous emphysema around the insertion site (choice D) suggests air leakage but is not as urgent as continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.