What item should be at the bedside for a chest tube?

What item should be at the bedside for a chest tube?

• A. Gauze
• B. Sterile water
• C. Padded clamps
• D. Tape

Answer: (C)

In chest tube care, you need to be able to control the tube quickly and safely. Having padded clamps at the bedside lets you temporarily clamp the tube if the system becomes disconnected or if you need to test for an air leak, for example during transport or when troubleshooting. The padding protects surrounding tissue from injury while you handle the tubing, and clamping is used only for short, controlled periods to prevent air from entering the pleural space while adjustments are made. While gauze, tape, and sterile water are all important parts of the chest tube setup and dressing, the item that should be readily available at the bedside to manage safety and troubleshoot issues is padded clamps.

In chest tube care, you need to be able to control the tube quickly and safely. Having padded clamps at the bedside lets you temporarily clamp the tube if the system becomes disconnected or if you need to test for an air leak, for example during transport or when troubleshooting. The padding protects surrounding tissue from injury while you handle the tubing, and clamping is used only for short, controlled periods to prevent air from entering the pleural space while adjustments are made. While gauze, tape, and sterile water are all important parts of the chest tube setup and dressing, the item that should be readily available at the bedside to manage safety and troubleshoot issues is padded clamps.