MEDizzy - Following a thoracotomy, a client has a pleural chest tube

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Pulmonology

Following a thoracotomy, a client has a pleural chest tube connected to water seal drainage. The client suddenly has labored breathing with an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate. Which of the following actions does the nurse first perform?

ExplanationThe nurse’s first action is to assess chest tube patency, checking for kinks or blockage, which would cause increased pressure on the lung and potential collapse. Clamping the chest tube may cause air to become trapped in the pleural space and result in a tension pneumothorax. When a chest tube is first inserted, the water seal drainage is usually set at a negative pressure of "20 cm of water pressure to assist with drainage. When the chest tube is placed to water seal, the suction source is detached from the suction control chamber, which has been done. An order is needed to change the suction on the water seal drainage. The client is placed with head of bed elevated to assist with lung expansion and breathing.