The nurse is caring for a child with chest tubes inserted after heart surgery that are attached to an underwater-seal drainage system. For which reason should the nurse prepare to clamp the chest tubes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If a tube becomes disconnected creating an air leak, clamp the tube close to the child's chest to prevent further air from entering the chest. The chest tube should not be clamped if the child is coughing, a clot is in the tubing, or red-stained drainage appears in the tube.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Child with Chest Tubes