The nurse is caring for a child after cardiac surgery.What interventions should the nurse implement with regard to chest tubes placed to a water-seal drainage system?
A) Maintain sterility.
B) Check for tube patency.
C) Do not interrupt the water-seal drainage system.
D) Clamp the chest tube when ambulating the child.
E) Measure the drainage by emptying the collection chamber every shift.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nursing considerations with regard to chest tubes attached to a water-seal drainage system include (1)do not interrupt water-seal drainage unless the chest tube is clamped, (2)check for tube patency (fluctuation in the water-seal chamber),and (3)maintain sterility.The chest tube should not be clamped when ambulating the child and the drainage is measured in the collection chamber,not emptied.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Child After Cardiac Surgery