To determine how much chest tube drainage has occurred, refer to what?

• A. The suction control valve setting
• B. The volume read on a separate monitor
• C. The date and time markings on the outside of the collection chamber
• D. The color of drainage

Answer: (C)

Tracking chest tube drainage relies on the collection chamber’s markings, and the date/time stamps are essential because they tell you exactly when a measurement was taken. By recording the volume shown on the chamber at a specific time, you can compare it with readings at later times to determine how much drainage has occurred over a given interval. The suction setting controls suction, not how much fluid has drained. Color of the drainage doesn’t quantify volume, and while some setups use a monitor, the standard portable way to document and assess drainage over time is by noting the measurement in the chamber, tied to the date and time. So, use the date and time markings on the outside of the collection chamber to anchor your drainage assessment.