A student nurse caring for a patient with a chest tube has been asked what equipment should be at the bedside to assess for an air leak.Which information indicates the student nurse has a correct understanding of the equipment needed?
A) Suction equipment wrapped in plastic to keep instrument clean
B) Hemostat covered with gauze to prevent penetration of the chest tube
C) Cup of water to place the end of the chest tube
D) Petroleum gauze to use as a dressing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Covered hemostats are used to assess for air leaks,not a cup of water,suction equipment,or petroleum gauze.Hemostats have a covering to prevent hemostat from penetrating the chest tube.The use of these hemostats or other clamp prevents air from re-entering the pleural space.Suctioning does not determine an air leak; it is used to clear secretions.If there is a break in the chest drainage device,place the end of the chest tube in a bottle of sterile saline,not water.If a chest tube becomes dislodged apply pressure to chest tube site wound using petroleum gauze,a dry gauze dressing,and adhesive tape.

A Student Nurse Caring for a Patient with a Chest