The nurse notes intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber of a chest tube in place for a client with pneumothorax. The nurse's most appropriate action is to
A) change the drainage unit.
B) clamp the chest tube.
C) encourage respiratory exercises.
D) place petrolatum gauze around the chest tube.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bubbling in the water-seal compartment is caused by air passing out of the pleural space into the fluid in the bottle. Intermittent bubbling is normal when the lung is still expanding. Respiratory exercises will hasten the lung's reexpansion.

The Nurse Notes Intermittent Bubbling in the Water-Seal Chamber of a Chest