A client post-lobectomy for lung cancer has a chest tube. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What is the MOST appropriate nursing action?
A
Clamp the chest tube immediately and notify the provider.
B
Assess the client's respiratory status and check all connections.
C
Increase the suction setting to resolve the bubbling.
D
Document the finding as expected and continue monitoring.
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak within the chest tube system. The nurse must first assess the client's respiratory status and then systematically check all connections to locate and correct the leak.
💡 Why is B) the correct answer?
The correct answer to the question "A client post-lobectomy for lung cancer has a chest tube. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What is the MOST appropriate nursing action?" is Option B: Assess the client's respiratory status and check all connections..
The other options — A) Clamp the chest tube immediately and notify the provider., C) Increase the suction setting to resolve the bubbling., D) Document the finding as expected and continue monitoring. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak within the chest tube system. The nurse must first assess the client's respiratory status and then systematically check all connect…
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This 3-level NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question from the Physiological Integrity topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library.
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