Question

The nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube that has been inserted after experiencing blunt trauma that resulted in a pneumothorax. What nursing action is appropriate when constant bubbling is noted in the suction control chamber?

a) Remove the chest tube.
b)Remind the client to remain stationary in bed to stop the bubbling.
c)Document the finding.
d)Contact the Rapid Response Team.

Answer 1

When a nurse sees constant bubbling in the suction control chamber of a chest tube, the correct action is to document the finding, as this indicates proper function of the system in maintaining necessary negative pressure in the pleural space.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to a clinical scenario where a nurse observes constant bubbling in the suction control chamber of a chest tube, which has been inserted to address a pneumothorax caused by blunt trauma. The appropriate nursing action when constant bubbling is noted in the suction control chamber is to document the finding. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber is normally expected when the system is set up properly, as it indicates that the suction is active and functioning to help reestablish the negative pressure in the pleural space essential for lung inflation. It does not typically indicate an emergency that would require removing the chest tube or alerting the Rapid Response Team. Nor does it indicate that the patient should remain stationary as movement is unrelated to the functioning of the chest tube system.