The charge nurse of the emergency department (ED) is mentoring a new registered nurse (RN). They are caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to wall suction for a pneumothorax. The client is being transferred from the ED to the telemetry unit. Which action by the new RN would cause the charge nurse to intervene?

Question

The charge nurse of the emergency department (ED) is mentoring a new registered nurse (RN).  They are caring for a client who has a chest tube connected to wall suction for a pneumothorax.  The client is being transferred from the ED to the telemetry unit.  Which action by the new RN would cause the charge nurse to intervene?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clamping the chest tube during transport is contraindicated. Doing so can cause air to accumulate in the pleural cavity as it has no means of escape. This can lead to the development of a tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening condition. A tension pneumothorax results in compression of the unaffected lung and pressure on the heart and great vessels. As the pressure increases, venous return is decreased and cardiac output falls. (Option B) The wall suction needs to be temporarily disconnected during transport. It should be reconnected promptly at the destination. (Option C) The chest tube collection unit should be hung below the level of the chest to promote drainage and keep fluids from re-entering the chest cavity. (Option D) All connections should be secured with tape to prevent accidental disconnection or air to enter the system. Educational objective: Chest tubes should not be clamped during transport of a client. A clamped chest tube may cause a tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening event.

The Charge Nurse of the Emergency Department (ED) Is Mentoring