Question

a nurse is planning education for a client who has a chest tube in place that is attached to a closed chest drainage system. which of the following instructions should the nurse plan to provide when the client is ready to ambulate? keep the collection device upright at all times. disconnect the system when showering. keep the collection device at chest level at all times. allow the tubing to hang in a dependent loop when ambulating.

Explanation:

When a client with a chest - tube attached to a closed - chest drainage system is ambulating, the collection device must be kept upright at all times to prevent back - flow of fluid and air into the pleural space. Disconnecting the system during showering can lead to air entry and pneumothorax. The collection device should be kept below chest level to prevent reflux. Allowing the tubing to hang in a dependent loop can cause fluid accumulation and interfere with drainage.

Answer:

Keep the collection device upright at all times.