# A client has a chest tube for a resolving pneumothorax. After turning the client, the nurse compares the chamber behavior with the previous assessment. Click the chamber whose changed behavior supports assessment for a new air leak.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=581180&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Reduction of Risk Potential  
> category: ROR

## Question

A client has a chest tube for a resolving pneumothorax. After turning the client, the nurse compares the chamber behavior with the previous assessment. Click the chamber whose changed behavior supports assessment for a new air leak.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR517.svg)

## Explanation

B now bubbles throughout the breathing cycle, a change from bubbling only with coughing.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
B. B now bubbles throughout the breathing cycle, a change from bubbling only with coughing.
Why this is the best choice
The water seal is the chamber used to monitor air movement from the patient or a leak in the circuit. New ongoing bubbling warrants assessment of the patient, insertion site and system. Gentle bubbling in the separate wet suction-control chamber is expected when suction operates. Do not routinely clamp the chest tube to perform this check.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Interpret bubbling by chamber function and change from the prior observation.
Decision rule
Interpret bubbling by chamber function and change from the prior observation.
Why the other regions do not fit
A shows a small recorded increase in collection volume, not evidence of air movement. C has the same gentle suction bubbling as before. D is documented secured; inspect the system as part of assessment, but the changed indicator asked about is B.
**Sources**
- Continuous water-seal bubbling can indicate an air leak; wet suction-control bubbling has a different meaning.

## Key concepts

- **Changed water-seal behavior versus expected wet suction** — Interpret bubbling by chamber function and change from the prior observation.
- **Comparison with context** — C has visible ongoing bubbles as well, but their chamber function and unchanged behavior differ.

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