HESI Fundamentals Test Bank Related

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The healthcare professional is caring for a client with a chest tube. What is the most important action for the healthcare professional to take to ensure the chest tube is functioning properly?

  • A. Milk the chest tube to ensure patency.
  • B. Clamp the chest tube when moving the client.
  • C. Ensure the water seal chamber is filled to the appropriate level.
  • D. Secure the chest tube to the client's bed.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring the water seal chamber is filled to the appropriate level is crucial to maintain the effectiveness of the chest tube drainage system. This step helps prevent air from entering the pleural space, ensuring proper lung re-expansion. 'Milking' the chest tube is not recommended as it can cause damage to the chest tube and surrounding tissues. Clamping the chest tube is not advisable as it can lead to tension pneumothorax. Securing the chest tube to the bed is important for stability but does not directly impact the functioning of the chest tube.