Question

Nurse is caring for a patient who has a pneumothorax and a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings is an indication of lung reexpansion?

A. The chest tube is draining serosangiuneous fluid at 65 ML/HR
B. Patient tolerates gentle milking of the tubing
C. Bubbling in the water seal chamber has ceased
D. There is tidaling in the water seal chamber

Answer 1

Lung reexpansion in a patient with a pneumothorax and a closed chest drainage system is indicated by the cessation of bubbling in the water seal chamber.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lung reexpansion in a patient with a pneumothorax and a closed chest drainage system is indicated by the cessation of bubbling in the water seal chamber. When the lung has fully reexpanded, there will be no air escaping through the chest tube and into the water seal chamber, resulting in the absence of bubbling. This indicates that the lung has reestablished negative pressure and is fully inflated.