HESI Community Health Related

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The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube following thoracic surgery. Which intervention should the healthcare provider include in the plan of care?

  • A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 2 hours.
  • B. Milk the chest tube to ensure patency.
  • C. Keep the drainage system at the level of the chest.
  • D. Ensure that the chest tube is not clamped or kinked.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring that the chest tube is not clamped or kinked is essential to maintain proper drainage and prevent complications. Clamping the chest tube can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space, causing potential harm to the client. Milking the chest tube is not recommended as it can cause damage to the delicate tubing. Keeping the drainage system at the level of the chest ensures proper drainage by gravity, preventing backflow of fluids, but ensuring the tube is not clamped or kinked takes precedence in this scenario.