ATI RN - Closed Chest Drainage Post
Test Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What should the nurse do first when preparing to assist with the insertion of a chest tube?
✔✔Ensure the chest tube tray and sterile supplies are at the bedside and explain the procedure to
the patient.
How can the nurse verify that the chest tube is functioning properly immediately after insertion?
✔✔Observe for fluctuation in the water seal chamber with respirations and monitor for drainage
in the collection chamber.
What indicates that a chest tube may be ready for removal?
✔✔The chest x-ray shows lung re-expansion, and there has been minimal or no drainage for 24
hours.
Why should the nurse avoid clamping a chest tube during transport?
✔✔Clamping can cause a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space, increasing the risk of
tension pneumothorax.
1
, What should the nurse do if continuous bubbling is noted in the suction control chamber?
✔✔Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected and indicates proper suction
function.
What should the nurse do if continuous bubbling is observed in the water seal chamber?
✔✔Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber may indicate an air leak and requires
investigation of the entire system.
Why is it important to mark the drainage level on the collection chamber at regular intervals?
✔✔Marking the drainage level helps track the amount of drainage over time and detect any
sudden changes.
What assessment finding should prompt the nurse to notify the provider immediately?
✔✔Sudden onset of subcutaneous emphysema around the chest tube insertion site.
How should the nurse respond if the chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system?
✔✔Immerse the open end of the chest tube in sterile water to maintain a water seal and notify
the provider.
2
Test Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What should the nurse do first when preparing to assist with the insertion of a chest tube?
✔✔Ensure the chest tube tray and sterile supplies are at the bedside and explain the procedure to
the patient.
How can the nurse verify that the chest tube is functioning properly immediately after insertion?
✔✔Observe for fluctuation in the water seal chamber with respirations and monitor for drainage
in the collection chamber.
What indicates that a chest tube may be ready for removal?
✔✔The chest x-ray shows lung re-expansion, and there has been minimal or no drainage for 24
hours.
Why should the nurse avoid clamping a chest tube during transport?
✔✔Clamping can cause a buildup of air or fluid in the pleural space, increasing the risk of
tension pneumothorax.
1
, What should the nurse do if continuous bubbling is noted in the suction control chamber?
✔✔Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected and indicates proper suction
function.
What should the nurse do if continuous bubbling is observed in the water seal chamber?
✔✔Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber may indicate an air leak and requires
investigation of the entire system.
Why is it important to mark the drainage level on the collection chamber at regular intervals?
✔✔Marking the drainage level helps track the amount of drainage over time and detect any
sudden changes.
What assessment finding should prompt the nurse to notify the provider immediately?
✔✔Sudden onset of subcutaneous emphysema around the chest tube insertion site.
How should the nurse respond if the chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system?
✔✔Immerse the open end of the chest tube in sterile water to maintain a water seal and notify
the provider.
2
