To safely transport a client who has chest tube drainage to the X-ray department to assess the degree of lung re-expansion, the nurse would:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Normal functioning of the chest tubes is maintained and the drainage system is transported below the level of the chest. Chest tubes are not removed (Choice A) to facilitate transportation of the client; they are removed only after the physician is satisfied with the degree of re-expansion. Removing the chest tubes from the suction drainage system (Choice B) will result in equalization of intrapleural pressures with atmospheric pressures, thus increasing the risk of pneumothorax. Current practice precludes the clamping of the chest tubes (Choice C). It is believed that clamping increases the risk of tension pneumothorax because air may enter the interpleural space during inspiration, but cannot escape during expiration.

To Safely Transport a Client Who Has Chest Tube Drainage