The nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube and a three-chamber disposable drainage system.The physician orders an anteroposterior (AP)chest x-ray to be done in the x-ray department.How would the nurse transport the patient?
A)Do a portable film in the patient's room instead of in the x-ray department.
B)Clamp the chest tube after full exhalation and call the department so they can be ready when you arrive.
C)Disconnect the drainage system from the wall suction and transport.
D)Clamp the chest tube after full inspiration and call the department so they can be ready when you arrive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disconnecting the drainage system from the wall suction and transporting the patient is the correct choice. The chest tube should not be clamped during transport as it can lead to complications such as tension pneumothorax. The drainage system can function by gravity during transport.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a Chest