Question

Which statement is most accurate regarding a chest tube connected to a water seal drainage system?

A. Bubbles in the water indicate that the chest tube is no longer needed
B. The water level should fall slightly with each spontaneous inspiration
C. The drainage system should be kept below the level of chest tube insertion
D. The chest tube should be clamped at all times when the patient is ambulatory

Answer 1

The most accurate statement regarding a chest tube connected to a water seal drainage system is that the water level should fall slightly with each spontaneous inspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate statement regarding a chest tube connected to a water seal drainage system is that the water level should fall slightly with each spontaneous inspiration.

When a chest tube is connected to a water seal drainage system, the water serves as a barrier to prevent air from entering the pleural space while allowing fluid and air to leave. With each spontaneous inspiration, the negative pressure in the pleural space causes the water level in the system to fall slightly.

This movement of water indicates that the chest tube is functioning properly and that there is adequate negative pressure in the pleural space.