1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a chest tube connected to a

water-seal drainage system. The nurse notices that there is continuous

bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What should the nurse do next?

a) Clamp the chest tube and notify the physician.

b) Check the system for air leaks and tape any connections that are loose.

c) Document the finding and continue to monitor the patient.

d) Increase the suction pressure to remove the excess air.

*Answer: b) Check the system for air leaks and tape any connections that

are loose.*

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air

leak in the system, which can compromise the drainage of fluid and air

from the pleural space and increase the risk of tension pneumothorax