The nurse caring for a patient with a disposable chest drainage system can promote effective tube function and patient safety by:

A) In the morning immediately after breakfast. Performing postural drainage after eating may induce nausea and vomiting.
B) Shortly after the patient arises in the morning, before breakfast. This timing allows mucus to drain more effectively since the patient has been lying down overnight, and an empty stomach minimizes the risk of vomiting.
C) 30 minutes after lunch. Postural drainage should be performed at least 1 to 2 hours after meals to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
D) 1 hour after supper. While this timing is better than immediately after eating, morning sessions are generally more effective.

A) Milk the chest tube to dislodge any clots in the tubing that may be occluding it. Milking the chest tube is not recommended as it can create excessive negative pressure and damage lung tissue.
B) Notify the provider. This is not the first intervention. The nurse should assess the suction regulator and connections before notifying the provider.
C) Verify that the suction regulator is on. Lack of bubbling often indicates that the suction regulator is off or not functioning correctly. The nurse should first ensure that the regulator is turned on and properly connected.
D) Continue to monitor the client because this is an expected finding. Bubbling should be present in the suction control chamber if suction is applied; therefore, this finding requires immediate assessment.