Question

While transferring a client with a chest tube from the bed to a stretcher, the chest tube becomes disconnect from the water-seal drainage container. The nurse immediately immerses the end of the tube in a container of sterile water. Which action should the nurse implement next?

Answer 1

After immersing the chest tube in sterile water, the nurse should assess the patient's respiratory status, reconnect the chest tube to the drainage system using aseptic technique, check for leaks, and monitor the patient closely.

Step-by-step explanation:

After the nurse has immersed the end of the chest tube in a container of sterile water to prevent air from entering the pleural space, the next action should be to assess the client's respiratory status and ensure that there is no immediate distress. The nurse should then seek assistance to reconnect the chest tube to the water-seal drainage container as quickly and safely as possible using aseptic technique. It is critical to maintain sterility to prevent infection. Once the tube is reconnected, the nurse must check the system for any leaks and ensure that the water-seal is functioning properly. The incident should be documented, and the healthcare provider should be notified of the disconnection and actions taken. Continuous monitoring of the client’s respiratory function and vital signs is vital following the incident.