A motorcycle accident victim has gentle bubbling in the chest tube drainage system. What action should the therapist take?

In this scenario, gentle bubbling in the chest tube drainage system can indicate that air from the pleural space is being evacuated, which is often a normal finding shortly after placement of a chest tube, especially in the context of lung re-expansion following trauma.

Continuing the current therapy is appropriate because it ensures that the drainage system continues to function and allows for ongoing monitoring of the patient's condition. Gentle bubbling suggests that the air leak may be resolving and fluid is draining properly.

If the bubbling were excessive or associated with other concerning signs, it might warrant further assessment or intervention, such as troubleshooting the drainage system or potentially clamping the tube to assess if the bubbling is coming from a persistent air leak. However, in the absence of distressing symptoms, the best course of action is to continue monitoring and providing the standard care already in place.