Free NCLEX RN Practice Questions Practice Question
A client has a chest tube in place with a three-chamber chest drainage system. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. This indicates which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a three-chamber chest drainage system indicates a system air leak (Option C). This bubbling suggests that air is entering the system, which can compromise the effectiveness of the drainage.
Option A, pneumothorax, would typically manifest as intermittent bubbling, not continuous. Option B, adequate suction, is indicated by fluctuations in the water seal chamber, not continuous bubbling. Lastly, Option D, incorrect tube positioning, would likely lead to other symptoms, such as poor drainage or respiratory distress, rather than continuous bubbling.
Unlock All Questions
Subscribe to Premium for full access to all practice questions, detailed rationales, and performance tracking.
Subscribe Now