HESI Community Health Related

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The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning effectively?

  • A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
  • B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
  • C. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber.
  • D. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber is the correct observation indicating effective functioning of the chest tube. This bubbling signifies that the suction system is working correctly and maintaining the desired negative pressure in the pleural space. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber suggests an air leak, which is not a normal finding. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber may indicate a blockage or lack of communication between the pleural space and the water-seal, which is not ideal. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube is a normal finding, but it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of the chest tube function.