A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube who has notable crepitus at the chest tube site, extending across the chest about 3 inches. The best statement the nurse can make is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crepitus at the chest tube site can be a sign of subcutaneous emphysema, which is caused by air escaping from the lung and collecting under the skin. The nurse should inform the patient that there are small pockets of air under their skin and that the doctor should examine the area. This indicates a more serious problem than simply local swelling and cannot be ignored or dismissed.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a Chest