A Patient Is Exhibiting Signs of a Pneumothorax Following Tracheostomy

A patient is exhibiting signs of a pneumothorax following tracheostomy. The surgeon inserts a chest tube into the anterior chest wall. What should the nurse tell the family is the primary purpose of this chest tube?

A) To remove air from the pleural space
B) To drain copious sputum secretions
C) To monitor bleeding around the lungs
D) To assist with mechanical ventilation