Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Full-length
A female client has a chest tube placed. It is accidentally pulled out of the intrapleural space when she is ambulating. The first action the nurse should take is to:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
This action is inappropriate. Coughing will not re-expand the lung and could result in further harm. This action is a medical procedure, not a nursing procedure. An occlusive dressing will prevent further air leak until the physician institutes further treatment. The decision to reinsert the tube is a medical decision, not a nursing one.