What action should the nurse prioritize after assessing a client with a chest tube?

The priority action for a nurse after assessing a client with a chest tube is to check for an air leak in the system. Ensuring that the chest tube system is functioning properly is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of treatment and preventing complications. An air leak can lead to a pneumothorax or hinder the proper re-expansion of the lung, which is the primary goal of having a chest tube in place.

If an air leak is present, it could indicate a disconnection or a malfunction in the system that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress and promote healing.

Other actions, while important, are secondary to ensuring the integrity of the chest tube system. For example, assessing pain levels is essential for the comfort and care of the patient, but it does not address immediate concerns with the functionality of the chest tube. Similarly, while documenting drainage and instructing the client on deep breathing are valuable for ongoing management and recovery, they do not take precedence over checking for a potentially dangerous air leak that could compromise the client’s condition.