A client has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. The nurse observes continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. Which action should the nurse take?
1Clamp the chest tube for the rest of the shift.
2Raise the drainage system above chest level.
3Strip the tubing vigorously to remove clots.
4Check the system and tubing connections for an air leak.✓ Correct answer
Explanation
Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber suggests an air leak in the client or drainage system. The nurse should assess the system and connections. Routine clamping, raising the drainage system, or vigorous stripping can cause harm.
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Chest tube continuous bubbling.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical Practice GuideFor Chest tube continuous bubbling, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Chest Tube — A tube used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space.
Water Seal — A chamber that allows air to escape while preventing backflow into the pleural space.
Air Leak — Unintended entry of air into the drainage system or pleural space.