A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following a left lower lobectomy and has a chest tube in place. When assessing the client's three-chamber drainage system, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The nurse must utilize knowledge of thoracic drainage mechanics and equipment troubleshooting. A three-chamber system requires consistent suction to maintain negative pleural pressure. Identifying the cause of suction failure involves systematic assessment of the external vacuum source and tube integrity. Choice A rationale Suction control chambers in wet systems require active external suction to function. Bubbling indicates vacuum application. Verifying the regulator is on ensures the system has the mechanical force necessary to maintain the ordered negative pressure for lung re-expansion. Choice B rationale Milking or stripping chest tubes creates high levels of negative pressure that can damage delicate lung tissue. This practice is generally contraindicated unless specifically ordered by a surgeon, as it increases the risk of pleural trauma and tension pneumothorax. Choice C rationale Absence of bubbling in the suction control chamber of a wet system is an abnormal finding. It signifies a lack of active suctioning. The nurse cannot ignore this, as effective pleural drainage depends on continuous atmospheric pressure regulation. Choice D rationale While water levels dictate suction intensity, adding water will not resolve a lack of bubbling if the suction source is off. Bubbling is caused by air passing through water via the suction regulator, not the volume itself.