The nurse is assessing a client with chest tubes and notes a leak in the system. What is the nurse's first action?
A) Set up a new water-seal system.
B) Replace the chest tube.
C) Notify the physician.
D) Clamp the chest tube with hemostats.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's first action should be to clamp the chest tube with hemostats to prevent air from entering the pleural space, which can cause a pneumothorax. After clamping, the nurse can then proceed with further actions such as setting up a new system or notifying the physician.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Client with Chest Tubes and Notes