The nurse is preparing to assist with the removal of a chest tube. which dressing is appropriate at the site from which the chest tube is removed?

There are choices for this question namely:

a) "Exhale forcefully while the chest tube is being removed."

b) "While the chest tube is being removed, raise your arms above your head."

c) "During the removal of the chest tube, do not move because it will make the removal more painful."

d) "When the tube is being removed, take a deep breath, exhale, and bear down."

The correct answer is "when the tube is being removed, take a deep breath, exhale, and bear down". This is called a Valsalva maneuver and this functions to prevent the air from leaking back to the pleural space and eventually prevent pneumothorax. After which, a clean, air tight, dressing shall be applied to the wound.