Question

A charge nurse is reviewing the care of a client who has a chest tube connected to a water seal drainage system in place following thoracic surgery with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of when to notify the provider?

A) I will notify the provider if the water seal chamber is not fluctuating.
B) I'll call the provider if there is continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber.
C) I should inform the provider if the chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system.
D) I'll contact the provider if there's an abrupt cessation of drainage in the collection chamber.

Answer 1

The correct statement by the newly licensed nurse is option D) I'll contact the provider if there's an abrupt cessation of drainage in the collection chamber.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement by the newly licensed nurse that indicates an understanding of when to notify the provider is option D) I'll contact the provider if there's an abrupt cessation of drainage in the collection chamber.

In a water seal drainage system, the collection chamber collects drainage from the client's chest. If there is sudden cessation of drainage, it could indicate a blockage or kink in the chest tube, which needs immediate attention from the provider. This statement shows that the nurse understands the importance of monitoring the drainage and recognizing changes in the system.