Saunders Respiratory Practice

What should the nurse do if a chest tube is accidentally pulled out during care?

1. Select a new equipment setup

2. Cover the insertion site with a sterile dressing

3. Prepare the client for reintubation

4. Clamp the tube immediately

The correct answer is: Cover the insertion site with a sterile dressing

In the event that a chest tube is accidentally pulled out during care, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to cover the insertion site with a sterile dressing. This action is important to prevent air from entering the pleural space, which can lead to a tension pneumothorax, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. By using a sterile dressing, the nurse can help seal the wound and reduce the risk of infection, while also providing support until appropriate medical assistance is available. It is essential to maintain an airtight seal around the site to stabilize the patient's condition until further intervention can be performed. While selecting new equipment and preparing the client for reintubation may seem relevant in certain contexts, they do not address the immediate need to protect the chest cavity in this scenario. Clamping the tube is not advisable as it can increase intrathoracic pressure and contribute to complications. The priority in an emergency situation with a chest tube is to minimize the potential for air entry and stabilize the patient with a sterile dressing.