Question

A nurse providing care of a patient's chest drainage system observes that the chest tube has become separated from the drainage device. What would be the first action that should be taken by the nurse in this situation?

Answer 1

In the event of a chest tube separation from the drainage device, the nurse should first place the tube end in sterile saline or water, then notify the healthcare team.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse observes that the chest tube has become separated from the drainage device, the first action that should be taken is to ensure the end of the chest tube is placed in a sterile container with sterile saline or water to prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a pneumothorax. This immediate intervention is crucial for maintaining the patient's safety. After securing the tube, the nurse must alert the healthcare team and prepare for the possibility of re-establishing the connection to the drainage system or replacing the system as necessary.