A patient had chest tube insertion for a pneumothorax.External suction was discontinued yesterday.This morning the nurse assesses tidaling in the water-seal chamber.What nursing action is indicated?
A)Collaborate with the healthcare provider regarding need to reinstitute the external suction.
B)Check the connections between the chest tube and the drainage system.
C)No action is necessary as this is an expected occurrence.
D)Have the patient cough forcefully.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tidaling in the water-seal chamber is an expected occurrence, and it indicates that the chest tube and drainage system are functioning correctly. It is caused by the fluctuation of air or fluid during inhalation and exhalation. Therefore, no action is necessary. Choice A is incorrect because reinstituting external suction is not indicated if the patient is experiencing normal tidaling. Choice B is also incorrect because checking the connections is not necessary if tidaling is the only assessment finding. Choice D is incorrect because forcefully coughing could be harmful to the patient and may not address the issue of tidaling.

A Patient Had Chest Tube Insertion for a Pneumothorax