Chest Tube NCLEX Questions and

1

Chest Tube NCLEX Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube inserted for a pneumothorax. Which of the following findings indicates the chest tube is working properly?

• Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber

✔✔ B. Intermittent bubbling during exhalation

• No fluid in the drainage system
• Continuous bubbling in the suction chamber

A client has a chest tube connected to suction following surgery. The nurse notes no tidaling in the water seal chamber. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• Increase suction pressure
• Clamp the chest tube

✔✔ C. Assess for obstruction or lung re-expansion

• Add more water to the drainage system

Which of the following is an appropriate intervention when a chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system? 1 / 2

2

• Reconnect it without gloves
• Tape it to the client’s chest

✔✔ C. Place the tube end in sterile water until reconnected

• Leave it open to air

What should the nurse do first if a chest tube is accidentally pulled out of a patient?✔✔ A. Cover the site with a sterile occlusive dressing

• Insert a new chest tube
• Irrigate the insertion site
• Leave the wound open to air

A nurse notices continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What does this finding most likely indicate?✔✔ A. Air leak in the system

• Lung re-expansion
• Normal function of suction
• Clogged tubing
• / 2