A chest drain's tubing becomes disconnected from its drainage unit. Which response is most appropriate?
- ACall for help and restore a closed system per local protocol
- BClamp the tube near the chest until a new unit arrives
- CRaise the drainage unit to chest level to reconnect it
- DCover the insertion site with a sterile occlusive dressing
Show answer and explanations
Answer
A
A
Submerging the tube end in sterile water or reconnecting per protocol limits air entry while help arrives.
B
Prolonged clamping can cause tension pneumothorax if air continues to leak.
C
Lifting the unit allows backflow of fluid into the pleural space.
D
This is the response when the tube comes out of the chest, not when it disconnects from the unit.