What is the correct action regarding chest tubes during patient transport?

What is the correct action regarding chest tubes during patient transport?

• A. Do not clamp chest tube
• B. Clamp chest tube
• C. Remove chest tube
• D. Tape chest tube to bed

Answer: (A)

Chest tubes provide a controlled path for air or fluid to exit the pleural space into a drainage system. Clamping the tube during transport can trap air or fluid, raising intrapleural pressure and potentially causing a life-threatening tension pneumothorax, especially with movement. The safest approach is to keep the chest tube system intact and unclamped, secure all connections, and keep the drainage system below chest level so drainage continues with movement. Removing the tube or trying to secure it by taping it to the bed would interrupt drainage or risk dislodgement, which is not appropriate during transport.

Chest tubes provide a controlled path for air or fluid to exit the pleural space into a drainage system. Clamping the tube during transport can trap air or fluid, raising intrapleural pressure and potentially causing a life-threatening tension pneumothorax, especially with movement. The safest approach is to keep the chest tube system intact and unclamped, secure all connections, and keep the drainage system below chest level so drainage continues with movement. Removing the tube or trying to secure it by taping it to the bed would interrupt drainage or risk dislodgement, which is not appropriate during transport.