A nurse is checking the suction control chamber of a client's chest tube and notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Continue to monitor the client because this is an expected finding: Continuous bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected when suction is applied. No bubbling indicates the suction may not be functioning, so simply monitoring is not appropriate. B. Notify the provider: While the provider should be informed if suction issues persist, the nurse’s first action is to verify the equipment and settings before escalating. Immediate troubleshooting is appropriate before notification. C. Verify that the suction regulator is on: The absence of bubbling often indicates that the suction source or regulator is not properly engaged. Checking that the suction regulator is on and set to the prescribed level is the first step to ensure the system is functioning correctly. D. Milk the chest tube to dislodge any clots in the tubing that may be occluding it: Milking the chest tube is only indicated for specific clots and is generally discouraged because it can create high negative pressures that damage lung tissue.