The patient has chest tubes in place after thoracic surgery. What does the nurse need to know about working with a patient who has a chest tube?
a. The tubes should be clamped, except during patient assessments.
b. The tubing should be removed from the connection to check for adequate suction power.
c. The tubes should be stripped every 15 to 30 minutes to maintain drainage.
d. Periodic lifting and drainage of coiled loop will promote pleural drainage.
D
Feedback
A It is inaccurate that the tubes should be clamped except during patient assessments. Clamping a chest tube is also contraindicated when the patient is ambulating or being transported.
B In a water-sealed system, gentle bubbling in the suction-control chamber indicates it is functioning. The suction source may be checked to verify that it is on the appropriate setting. The tubing should not be disconnected.
C Chest tube stripping increases negative intrathoracic pressure that could prolong the patient's recovery time.
D If the patient is in a chair and the tubing is coiled, the tubing should be lifted every 15 minutes to promote drainage. Care should be taken to ensure that the tubing remains secure.
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