Final answer:
If a chest tube is accidentally pulled out, cover the site immediately with a sterile dressing taped on three sides, and seek emergency medical help.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a chest tube gets pulled out, it is a medical emergency which requires immediate attention. The first step is to cover the opening with a sterile dressing to prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a pneumothorax. This dressing should be taped on three sides, creating a one-way valve effect that lets air out but does not let air in. It is crucial to then seek emergency medical help. The individual will likely need to be monitored for signs of respiratory distress or pneumothorax, such as difficulty breathing or low oxygen levels, and may require another chest tube placement. The Heimlich maneuver, mentioned in Figure 16.2.9 of your reference, is not related to this situation but rather is a procedure used to help force an aspirated object out of the respiratory tract.