The registered nurse is assisting with the removal of a chest tube. Which intervention has the highest priority and should be anticipated by the RN after the removal of the chest tube?

The registered nurse is assisting with the removal of a chest tube. Which intervention has the highest priority and should be anticipated by the RN after the removal of the chest tube?

• A. Monitor vital signs every 4 hours
• B. Administer analgesia
• C. Prepare the client for chest x-ray at the bedside
• D. Remove dressing after assessment

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the highest immediate risk after removing a chest tube is a pneumothorax and impaired lung expansion. Getting a chest x-ray at the bedside right after removal provides the quickest and most definitive information about whether air remains in the pleural space and whether the lung has re-expanded. This imaging guides immediate decisions and further management, reducing the chance of missed complications. Vital signs monitoring and analgesia are important parts of post-procedure care, but they do not directly confirm the absence of a pneumothorax. Dressing removal is a routine step that can be addressed after confirming the lung status. Therefore, preparing the client for a bedside chest x-ray is the priority to ensure patient safety and appropriate next steps.

The key idea is that the highest immediate risk after removing a chest tube is a pneumothorax and impaired lung expansion. Getting a chest x-ray at the bedside right after removal provides the quickest and most definitive information about whether air remains in the pleural space and whether the lung has re-expanded. This imaging guides immediate decisions and further management, reducing the chance of missed complications.

Vital signs monitoring and analgesia are important parts of post-procedure care, but they do not directly confirm the absence of a pneumothorax. Dressing removal is a routine step that can be addressed after confirming the lung status. Therefore, preparing the client for a bedside chest x-ray is the priority to ensure patient safety and appropriate next steps.