Final answer:
In case of a chest drainage system breakage, clamp the tube to prevent air entry, monitor the patient, set up a sterile water seal, and urgently replace the unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the chest drainage system breaks, it is important to address the situation immediately to prevent complications. First, the broken system should be clamped to avoid air entering the pleural space and potentially causing a pneumothorax. Immediately afterwards, the patient should be monitored for any signs of respiratory distress. Meanwhile, prepare a sterile water seal by submerging the end of the chest tube in sterile water until a new chest drainage unit can be set up. Once the new unit is ready, the tube should be unclamped and connected to the new drainage system as quickly as possible to restore its function.