Question

After having a lobectomy for lung cancer, a client receives a chest tube connected to a three-chamber chest drainage system. The nurse observes that the drainage system is functioning correctly when noting which of the following? Select all that apply.

A. Fluctuations in the water-seal chamber occur when the client breathes.
B. Crepitus forms at the chest tube insertion site.
C. Intermittent bubbling occurs in the water-seal chamber.
D. Gentle bubbling occurs in the suction control chamber.
E. Drainage is collecting in the drainage chamber.

Answer 1

To determine if the chest drainage system is functioning correctly after a lobectomy, the nurse should observe fluctuations in the water-seal chamber when the client breathes, intermittent bubbling in the water-seal chamber, and drainage collecting in the drainage chamber.

Step-by-step explanation:

After having a lobectomy for lung cancer, a client receives a chest tube connected to a three-chamber chest drainage system. To determine if the drainage system is functioning correctly, the nurse should observe the following:

1. Fluctuations in the water-seal chamber occur when the client breathes. This indicates that the system is maintaining the negative pressure needed to keep the lungs inflated.
2. Intermittent bubbling occurs in the water-seal chamber. This indicates that there is no air leak in the system.
3. Drainage is collecting in the drainage chamber. This indicates that the system is effectively removing fluid and air from the chest.