NCLEX PN Exam Practice Test Practice Question
The client has a chest tube attached to a portable water seal drainage system. Four hours after the chest tube is inserted, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the water seal compartment. What is the most likely explanation for this?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A lack of bubbling in the water seal compartment typically indicates that the pleural space has reexpanded, allowing air to be effectively sealed off. This is a positive sign of recovery.
Option B, obstruction in the tubing, would likely cause other symptoms such as decreased drainage or increased pressure, rather than the absence of bubbling alone.
Option C, an air leak, would usually result in continuous bubbling, not its absence.
Option D, suction not being turned on, does not affect bubbling in the water seal compartment, as bubbling is related to air movement from the pleural space rather than suction application.
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