chest drainage question

blue82 · Oct 21, 2014

constant bubbling of fluid indicates a leak...so 3

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 21, 2014

constant bubbling of fluid indicates a leak...so 3

Depending on the chamber that was bubbling and when it is applied.... Review the proper use of a chest tube drainage system, this seems like a information retrieval question. There is no question in your post so we cannot answer this question accurately.

Rubz, BSN · Oct 21, 2014

Depending on the chamber that was bubbling and when it is applied.... Review the proper use of a chest tube drainage system, this seems like a information retrieval question. There is no question in your post so we cannot answer this question accurately.

remember HOLD

High Pressure Alarm => Obstruction in the airway

Low Pressure Alarm => Disconnection or leak in the ventilator or pt starts breathing

nurseylove · Oct 21, 2014

Kinda confused with the question but continuous bubbling = leak

blue82 · Oct 21, 2014

understandable....bubbling can also occur if the patient were to sneeze or cough as well...but there seems to be some missing information. but would a Nclex question be soo vague or so specific??

Sallysame · Oct 21, 2014

oh no, sorry, I didn't copy the question properly! The question was stating something like a patient has a closed chest drainage system where bubbles can be seen in the collection chamber. And yes, the answer was that there was a leak.

My issue is that, aren't there constant bubbles in the water seal chamber?

Thanks guys!

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 21, 2014

remember HOLD
High Pressure Alarm => Obstruction in the airway
Low Pressure Alarm => Disconnection or leak in the ventilator or pt starts breathing

This isn't what was asked, ventilator does not equal chest tube drainage system.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 21, 2014

oh no, sorry, I didn't copy the question properly! The question was stating something like a patient has a closed chest drainage system where bubbles can be seen in the collection chamber. And yes, the answer was that there was a leak.
My issue is that, aren't there constant bubbles in the water seal chamber?
Thanks guys!

Yep, the question helps. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber from a chest tube that has been placed for some time indicates a leak. Remember that at first you will always have bubbling because air is escaping the chest cavity through the water seal.

Be careful on all questions like this. I have seen many NCLEX questions concerning chest tube drainage systems and the answer is not always an air leak. If the question stated constant bubbling from the suction control chamber, then that is correct and suction is applied. Context changes the answer to the question.

Good luck.

Sallysame · Oct 22, 2014

Thanks Rob, this was what was troubling me. Your answer cleared everything up for me.