NCLEX Question of the Day

December 20, 2025

Physiological Integrity QID 1006

A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube who suddenly develops shortness of breath and decreased breath sounds on one side. What is the first action the nurse should take?

A:
Assessing for chest tube disconnection or kinks in the tubing
B:
Clamping the chest tube to assess for an air leak
C:
Increasing the suction pressure to the chest tube system
D:
Administering a bronchodilator to improve breathing

Explanation

If a patient with a chest tube develops sudden respiratory distress, the nurse should first assess for disconnection or kinks in the tubing that could impede drainage and cause a tension pneumothorax.

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