Respiratory Therapist

Answers: A and C- The function of the water in the water seal compartment of a drainage unit prevents air from moving back into the pleural cavity. The respiratory therapist should verify proper function of inline suction device by witnessing bubbling water in the seal compartment.

The chest tube setup is functioning properly when you are using an external suction source with a drainage unit and continuous bubbling in the suction control compartment is noted. When you are not using an external suction source, bubbles should be noted in the water seal compartment. It is not mandatory to see fluid in the collection compartment with the insertion of a chest tube as tubes are used to relieve air from the pleural cavity.