Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a left-sided pneumothorax and a chest tube in place with a closed drainage system. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak, requiring immediate provider notification. Tidaling is normal, 100 mL output is expected, and absent left-sided breath sounds are consistent with pneumothorax.