Question

A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 1 day post thoracotomy. the nurse notes continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber. the nurse should

Answer 1

Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber of a closed chest drainage system indicates an air leak in a client who is 1 day post thoracotomy. The nurse should assess the client's condition, check the chest tube and connections, and notify the healthcare provider to address the air leak.

Step-by-step explanation:

Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber of a closed chest drainage system indicates an air leak. In a client who is 1 day post thoracotomy, this could be due to a variety of reasons such as a disconnected or loose chest tube, a damaged chest tube, or an insecure connection between the chest tube and the drainage system. The nurse should assess the client's condition, check the chest tube and connections for any issues, and notify the healthcare provider to address the air leak.

Answer 2

In this case the nurse should inspect the chest tube connections of the patient. Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber is not normal and it indicates leaking of air. It should be corrected immediately. While intermittent bubbling is considered normal and it indicates the normal functioning of the closed chest drainage system.