Name the three main components of a traditional chest drainage system.

• A. Collection bag, drainage needle, irrigation chamber.
• B. Reservoir, vent chamber, gravity chamber.
• C. Collection chamber, water-seal chamber, and suction chamber.
• D. Suction canister, filter, humidifier.

Answer: (C)

A traditional chest drainage system is built to collect drainage, provide a secure underwater seal, and deliver controlled suction. The three main components are a collection chamber to hold the drained fluid or air, a water-seal chamber that creates an underwater seal to prevent air from flowing back into the chest, and a suction chamber that provides and regulates negative pressure so drainage occurs efficiently. The water-seal chamber typically shows a shallow column of water and may bubble if suction is active, signaling that the seal is functioning. The suction chamber uses a water column to set and maintain the desired drawing force.

The other options don’t fit because they describe parts not used together in the traditional three-chamber chest drain system.