Clamping a chest tube should not happen longer than how long, and only if prescribed by whom?

Clamping a chest tube should not happen longer than how long, and only if prescribed by whom?

• A. Five minutes
• B. Never
• C. Longer than a minute and only if prescribed by the physician
• D. One minute by the nurse

Answer: (C)

Clamping a chest tube is a risky maneuver because it temporarily interrupts the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space, which can rapidly lead to a buildup of pressure and respiratory compromise. It should not be done routinely or for prolonged periods. If clamping is ever needed, it should be for a very brief time and only with a physician’s explicit order. The standard guideline is not to clamp longer than about one minute, and to have physician authorization before doing so.

Clamping a chest tube is a risky maneuver because it temporarily interrupts the drainage of air and fluid from the pleural space, which can rapidly lead to a buildup of pressure and respiratory compromise. It should not be done routinely or for prolonged periods. If clamping is ever needed, it should be for a very brief time and only with a physician’s explicit order. The standard guideline is not to clamp longer than about one minute, and to have physician authorization before doing so.