Chest Tube NCLEX Questions - 2023 Practice Test

Mastering the essential skills and knowledge required for nursing practice is a journey that demands dedication and a keen understanding of critical procedures. As we step into the year 2023, the nursing landscape continues to evolve, demanding nurses to be well-equipped with the latest information and clinical proficiencies. 

Among the many crucial procedures, the insertion and management of chest tubes stand tall, serving as a lifeline for patients with diverse thoracic conditions. 

Welcome to our practice test focused on NCLEX chest tube questions, designed to challenge and refine your understanding of this vital skill. 

In this blog, we have compiled a list of 5 top chest tube NCLEX questions with detailed explanations. We’ll also introduce Smart’n, where you can find more thought-provoking practice questions to reinforce your knowledge.

Significance of chest tube NCLEX questions

Chest Tube NCLEX questions hold profound significance in the realm of nursing education and practice. These questions serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-life clinical scenarios, helping aspiring nurses and experienced professionals alike to navigate the complexities of chest tube insertion and management. By engaging with these questions, nurses can sharpen their critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in a controlled and simulated environment.

The significance of Chest Tube NCLEX questions extends beyond mere test preparation. Mastery of this skill is essential for providing optimal care to patients with various thoracic conditions, such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. 

Understanding the nuances of when and how to insert a chest tube, as well as effectively conducting chest tube assessments and chest tube air leak assessments, can mean the difference between a patient's stabilization and deterioration.

Furthermore, these questions mirror the evolving nature of medical practices and guidelines. With advancements in technology and medical knowledge, the protocols for chest tube insertion and management may change. 

By regularly engaging with updated NCLEX questions, nurses can stay abreast of the latest best practices, ensuring the highest standard of care for their patients. This includes implementing timely and appropriate chest tube nursing interventions, which are crucial for maintaining the tube's function and the patient's overall well-being.

Chest tube NCLEX questions

The most effective approach to ready yourself for the NCLEX examination is through consistent question practice. Smart'n is a tool for NCLEX studying, providing over 2500 customized quizzes, with explanations, on many topics for NCLEX.

Smart'n goes beyond quizzes, featuring 60+ hours of nursing case studies in the NGN-NCLEX style, a format tailored to your nursing license exam.

Engaging with Smart'n's questions not only offers you a well-rounded assessment of your performance but also facilitates tracking your progress and enhancing your comprehension throughout your preparation journey.

Here are some chest tube NCLEX questions with rationales:

Question 1:

A client with a chest tube following a thoracotomy complains of severe pain at the insertion site. Upon assessment, you notice subcutaneous emphysema around the chest tube site. What action should you take first?

A) Administer analgesics as ordered.

B) Notify the healthcare provider.

C) Document the findings in the chart.

D) Tape the chest tube securely.

Correct answer: B) Notify the healthcare provider.

Rationale: Subcutaneous emphysema, indicated by the presence of air under the skin, can result from a possible disconnection or leak in the chest tube system. This is a serious complication that requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. The healthcare provider should be notified promptly to assess and address the issue.

Question 2:

While caring for a client with a chest tube, you observe continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber of the drainage system. What action should you take?

A) Clamp the chest tube.

B) Increase the suction pressure.

C) Document the finding as normal.

D) Check for air leaks in the system.

Correct answer: D) Check for air leaks in the system.

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air leak in the chest tube system. This can lead to inadequate lung re-expansion and improper drainage. Checking the system for air leaks and promptly addressing them is essential to maintain proper functioning of the chest tube.

Question 3:

A client with a chest tube accidentally pulls the tube out while turning in bed. What should you do first?

A) Place an occlusive dressing over the site.

B) Call the healthcare provider immediately.

C) Assist the client to a high-Fowler's position.

D) Quickly reinsert the chest tube using sterile technique.

Correct answer: A) Place an occlusive dressing over the site.

Rationale: If a chest tube becomes accidentally dislodged, the priority is to prevent air from entering the pleural space. Placing an occlusive dressing over the site helps to create a temporary seal and prevents the development of a tension pneumothorax. The healthcare provider should then be notified, and the chest tube should be reinserted as soon as possible.

Question 4:

While assessing a client with a chest tube, you note that the drainage system is knocked over, causing the tubing to disconnect from the collection chamber. What should you do first?

A) Reconnect the tubing and secure with tape.

B) Assess the client's respiratory status.

C) Lower the collection chamber below the client's chest.

D) Replace the entire drainage system.

Correct answer: A) Reconnect the tubing and secure with tape.

Rationale: If the chest tube tubing becomes disconnected from the collection chamber, the priority is to prevent air from entering the pleural space. Reconnecting the tubing and securing it with tape helps maintain the integrity of the chest tube system. Once the connection is secured, you can then assess the client's respiratory status.

Question 5:

A client with a chest tube complains of pain during coughing and deep breathing. What intervention should you recommend to help alleviate the client's discomfort?

A) Administer an additional dose of pain medication.

B) Encourage the client to splint the chest with a pillow.

C) Increase the suction pressure on the drainage system.

D) Instruct the client to avoid coughing and deep breathing.

Correct answer: B) Encourage the client to splint the chest with a pillow.

Rationale: Encouraging the client to splint the chest with a pillow provides support and stabilizes the chest wall during coughing and deep breathing, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort. This technique helps to minimize the movement of the chest and reduce the strain on the incision and chest tube site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the intricacies of chest tube management is crucial for any nursing professional, and the NCLEX questions presented in this 2023 practice test serve as a valuable tool in preparing for real-world scenarios. Aspiring nurses must not only understand the fundamental principles of chest tube insertion, care, and troubleshooting but also be adept at applying their knowledge in high-pressure situations. By tackling these practice questions, nursing students and candidates can fortify their confidence and competence in dealing with chest tube-related challenges.

FAQs

1- What are two things the nurse must avoid doing to the chest tube?

• Tugging or Pulling: It's essential to avoid tugging, pulling, or otherwise applying excessive force to the chest tube or its tubing. Care should be taken to ensure that the chest tube remains securely in place, and any accidental disconnections or movements should be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as air leaks or pneumothorax.

• Clamping Without Medical Orders: Unless specifically ordered by a healthcare provider, the nurse should not clamp the chest tube. Clamping the chest tube without proper authorization can lead to a buildup of pressure within the pleural space, potentially causing a tension pneumothorax or impairing lung re-expansion. Chest tube clamping should only be performed under appropriate circumstances and with medical supervision.

2- What nurses should know about chest tubes?

Nurses should know:

• When and why chest tubes are used for conditions like pneumothorax and pleural effusion.

• How to properly insert and maintain chest tubes, ensuring sterility.

• Regularly assess and monitor the chest tube site, drainage system, and patient's respiratory status.

• Manage the components of the drainage system and understand prescribed suction pressures.

• Provide pain relief measures and teach patients how to alleviate discomfort.

• Respond quickly to emergencies like dislodgement, air leaks, or bleeding.

• Educate patients and families on chest tube care, complications, and when to seek help.

• Document care accurately and collaborate with the healthcare team.