A nurse determines that there may be a leak in the chest tube system.Clamps are applied near the patient's chest,and the nurse finds that the bubbling stops.What should the nurse do next?
A)Change the tubing.
B)Change the drainage container.
C)Move the clamps farther down the chest tube.
D)Reinforce the dressing and notify the physician.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assess for the location of the air leak by clamping the chest tube close to the chest wall with two shodded hemostats.If the bubbling stops,the leak is inside the thorax or insertion site.Unclamp the tube,reinforce the dressing,and notify the physician immediately.If bubbling continues with the clamps near the chest wall,gradually move one clamp at a time down the tubing toward the patient.If bubbling stops,replace the tubing or secure the connections.If bubbling continues,replace the drainage system.

A Nurse Determines That There May Be a Leak in the Chest