What finding should a nurse report immediately for a client with a chest tube?

Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates a potential air leak in the system, which can compromise the effectiveness of the chest tube and the patient's respiratory status. This finding suggests that air is escaping into the pleural space rather than being properly drained, which can lead to increased tension in the chest cavity and potentially cause complications such as a pneumothorax.

In contrast, fluctuation in the water seal chamber is a normal finding that indicates the presence of negative pressure and is expected during respiration, as it reflects the inhalation and exhalation of air. Intermittent bubbling in the collection chamber may occur when air is being evacuated from the pleural space. The absence of drainage may not be immediately critical; however, it requires monitoring, as it could indicate a blockage or that the lung has re-expanded.

Therefore, constant bubbling is concerning and requires immediate notification to the healthcare provider to assess and address any issues with the chest tube system.