Final answer:
The indication of lung re-expansion in a patient with a pneumothorax and a closed-chest drainage system is a decreased respiratory rate, which signifies that the lung has re-expanded, allowing for easier and more efficient breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question of which finding indicates lung re-expansion in a client with a pneumothorax and a closed-chest drainage system is b) Decreased respiratory rate.
After a pneumothorax, which is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall, a closed-chest drainage system is typically used to remove the air and allow the lung to re-expand. When the lung re-expands, the pressure in the thoracic cavity equalizes, and effective breathing is restored, often resulting in a decrease in the rough, labored, or rapid breathing patterns that might have been present due to the collapse.
Therefore, a decreased respiratory rate could indicate that breathing is becoming easier and more efficient as the lung returns to its normal function. On the other hand, diminished breath sounds on the affected side, continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber, or increased chest tube drainage are typically not direct indicators of lung re-expansion and can instead point to ongoing air leaks or other complications.