Question

A chest tube that was inserted for a child with a pneumothorax becomes dislodged from the child's chest. Which of the following would the nurse do first?

A) Apply a Vaseline gauze occlusive dressing.
B) Clamp the chest tube close to the child's chest.
C) Administer supplemental oxygen at 100%
D) Notify the child's physician to reinsert the tube.

Answer 1

The nurse's first action is to apply an occlusive dressing with Vaseline gauze to prevent air entry, then notify the physician for tube reinsertion. Clamping the chest tube or administrating oxygen are not initial steps.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a chest tube inserted for a child with a pneumothorax becomes dislodged, the first action a nurse should take is to apply a Vaseline gauze occlusive dressing. This immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further air from entering the pleural space and potentially causing the lung to collapse more. Afterward, it is crucial to notify the child's physician to reinsert the tube. Clamping the chest tube could trap air in the pleural space and worsen the pneumothorax, thus it is not the first step. Administering supplemental oxygen may be essential, but it does not directly address the disconnection of the chest tube.