Question

The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube who accidentally disconnects the tube from the drainage system when trying to get out of bed The nurse immerses the end of the tube in sterile water. What immediate action should the nurse take?

Answer 1

4 .

if a chest drainage system is disconnected ,the nurse may place the end of the chest tube in a container of sterile saline or water to prevent air from entering the chest tube ,thereby preventing negative respiratory pressure.The nurse should apply a sterile occlusive dressing if the chest tube is pulled out.The nurse shouldnt clamp the chest tube because clamping increases the risk of tension pneumothorax.The nurse should tape the chest tube securely to prevent it from being disconnected,rather than taping it after it has been disconnected.