A nurse is assessing a client with a chest tube and observes the water level in the water seal bubbling as the client breathes. How should the nurse best respond to this assessment finding?

A. Inform the health care provider that there is a probable leak in the drainage system: Bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest drainage system during client breathing is an expected finding and indicates air movement in and out of the pleural space. It does not necessarily indicate a leak in the drainage system. Documenting the observation and assessing the client for other signs of complications would be appropriate before informing the healthcare provider.

B. Encourage the client to breathe deeply so the water seal will stabilize: Deep breathing by the client will not stabilize the water seal. The bubbling occurs due to air movement in and out of the pleural space during respiration and is a normal finding.

C. Inform the health care provider that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed: Bubbling in the water seal chamber does not necessarily indicate that the client is ready to have the chest tube removed. The decision to remove a chest tube is based on various factors, including the client's clinical status and resolution of the underlying condition requiring chest drainage.

D. Document that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended: Bubbling in the water seal chamber during client breathing indicates that the chest drainage system is functioning as intended. It is an expected finding and does not typically require intervention.

A. Respond to ventilator alarms: Responding to ventilator alarms is important but may not be the priority if the client is not spontaneously breathing.

B. Report the absence of spontaneous respirations: This is the priority action because the absence of spontaneous respirations may indicate inadequate ventilation or respiratory arrest, requiring immediate intervention.

C. Encourage the client to take spontaneous breaths: While encouraging spontaneous breaths is beneficial, it is not appropriate if the client is paralyzed due to neuromuscular blockade.

D. Place the call bell within reach: Ensuring the call bell is within reach is important for communication but may not be the priority if the client is not breathing spontaneously.