The nurse is assigned to a client who is 4 days postop thoracic surgery and has a chest tube. The nurse learns in morning report that there has not been any drainage from the chest tube for the last...

The nurse is assigned to a client who is 4 days postop thoracic surgery and has a chest tube. The nurse learns in morning report that there has not been any drainage from the chest tube for the last 24 hours. In assessing the closed-chest drainage system, the nurse notes that there are no fluctuations in the water-seal chamber. The client’s respirations are 22, unlabored. In planning the client care, the nurse would prepare:

a. for possible chest tube removal.

b. for replacement of the chest tube.

c. to increase the suction to the drainage system.

d. to disconnect the chest tube from the drainage system.

Rationale: