Which of the following is a sign of proper functioning of a chest tube drainage system?

A sign of proper functioning of a chest tube drainage system is the absence of air leaks. When the system is functioning correctly, there should be no escape of air from the pleural space back into the system or the surrounding environment. The water seal chamber creates a one-way valve that allows air and fluids to exit the pleural cavity while preventing air from re-entering, which is crucial for re-establishing normal intrathoracic pressures and promoting lung re-expansion.

In clinical practice, observing no air leaks indicates that the pleural space is properly sealed, allowing for effective drainage while also ensuring that the lungs can re-expand appropriately without external air interfering.

Other indicators of proper functioning, such as fluctuation or the absence of bubbling in specific conditions, may vary based on the situation but do not reliably indicate the system’s success in preventing air leaks. Recognizing and addressing air leaks is critical for patient safety and recovery.