Continuous bubbling in the air leak monitor of a chest tube drainage system indicates:

Prepare for the NCLEX exam effectively with our NCLEX Uworld Practice Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed hints and explanations to ensure you're ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Continuous bubbling in the air leak monitor of a chest tube drainage system indicates:

Explanation:
Continuous bubbling in the air leak monitor means air is continually escaping from the pleural space through the chest tube into the drainage system. That ongoing flow indicates an air leak is present. If there were no air leak, the monitor would be quiet or only show intermittent, diminishing bubbles as any leak seals. A full system or the patient simply improving wouldn’t cause continuous bubbling; in fact, bubbling often decreases as the lung re-expands and leaks stop.

Continuous bubbling in the air leak monitor means air is continually escaping from the pleural space through the chest tube into the drainage system. That ongoing flow indicates an air leak is present. If there were no air leak, the monitor would be quiet or only show intermittent, diminishing bubbles as any leak seals. A full system or the patient simply improving wouldn’t cause continuous bubbling; in fact, bubbling often decreases as the lung re-expands and leaks stop.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy