ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse explains to a client why two chest tubes are in place after a lobectomy. What is the lower chest tube for?

  • A. Draining air from the pleural space
  • B. Draining blood and fluid from the pleural space
  • C. Providing oxygen directly to the lungs
  • D. Preventing lung collapse
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The lower chest tube after a lobectomy is to drain blood and fluid from the pleural space. This is crucial to prevent complications such as fluid accumulation, which can lead to infection or impaired lung expansion. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Draining air is usually done by the upper chest tube, C) Providing oxygen does not require a chest tube, and D) Preventing lung collapse is more related to the function of the upper chest tube in maintaining negative pressure in the pleural space.