HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What is the best explanation for a client having a chest tube inserted due to spontaneous pneumothorax?

1. The tube will drain fluid from your chest

2. The tube will remove excess air from your chest

3. The tube controls the amount of air that enters your chest

4. The tube will seal the hole in your lung

The correct answer is: The tube will remove excess air from your chest

The presence of a chest tube for a client with a spontaneous pneumothorax primarily serves the purpose of removing excess air that has accumulated in the pleural space. A spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the pleural cavity, leading to a collapse of the lung on the affected side. By inserting a chest tube, healthcare providers can facilitate the evacuation of this air, which helps re-establish negative pressure within the pleural space and allows the lung to re-expand. The intervention is crucial for preventing further complications, such as tension pneumothorax, where trapped air increases pressure and impedes the function of the heart and great vessels. The procedure ensures a pathway for the trapped air to escape, thereby alleviating respiratory distress and promoting normal lung function. While other options might include aspects associated with pleural management, they do not accurately reflect the specific role of the chest tube in this context. The focus here is clearly on the removal of air, which is vital in managing a spontaneous pneumothorax effectively.