A client has accidentally disconnected a chest tube while turning over in bed. The suction tubing is on the floor. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to
A) call the physician immediately and prepare the client for reinsertion.
B) clamp the chest tube just proximal to the open end.
C) reattach the drainage tube to the suction tubing.
D) submerge the end of the drainage tube in a bottle of sterile saline.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a chest tube becomes disconnected to the suction tubing, the best action is to reattach it. However, since this suction tubing was on the floor, it is contaminated and reattaching the drainage tube to the suction tubing will place the client at an even higher risk of infection than already present. The next best action is to submerge the drainage tube into a bottle of sterile water or saline kept at the bedside for just such an occasion. If there is no fluid available, leave the tubing open rather than clamp it because clamping the tubing creates a risk for tension pneumothorax. The nurse will need to replace the contaminated suction tubing with new tubing.

A Client Has Accidentally Disconnected a Chest Tube While Turning