The nurse is evaluating the client’s response to treatment of a pleural effusion with a chest tube. The nurse notes a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, fluctuation of the fluid level in the water seal chamber, and a decrease in the amount of drainage by 30 mL since the previous shift. On evaluation, which interpretation would the nurse make?
1
The client is responding well to treatment.
2
Suction should be decreased to the system.
3
The system should be assessed for an air leak.
4
Water should be added to the water seal chamber.