Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 1918 of 2368
A new nurse says chest tubes should be clamped routinely to keep air out. Which response by the nurse is correct?
- Routine clamping is needed at the start of every shift
- Routine clamping is needed whenever the client is repositioned
- Routine clamping is not recommended because of the risk of tension pneumothorax
- Routine clamping prevents the water seal from bubbling
Show answer
Correct answer: Routine clamping is not recommended because of the risk of tension pneumothorax
Clamping may be brief and only per policy, such as when changing the unit. Routine clamping can cause tension pneumothorax.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Manage Chest Tube Drainage Systems: Assessments and Interventions at the Start of Shift. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026