How should a nurse respond if a chest tube comes out completely?

When a chest tube comes out completely, the appropriate response is to cover the hole with a gloved hand. This immediate action serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it helps to prevent air from entering the pleural space, which could lead to a tension pneumothorax, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where air accumulates under pressure in the pleural cavity. By using a gloved hand to cover the site, the nurse is providing a temporary seal that can help minimize complications until further medical intervention can be provided.

This response prioritizes patient safety and addresses an urgent situation. Once the hole is covered, the nurse can then arrange for further medical evaluation and treatment, ensuring the patient receives timely and appropriate care. The use of a gloved hand is also important for maintaining sterility and reducing the risk of infection.

Other approaches, such as pulling the tube out completely, waiting for a physician to arrive before acting, or using adhesive tape to seal the area, are not appropriate in this scenario. Pulling the tube out would exacerbate the situation, and waiting could lead to severe complications. Using adhesive tape may not provide an adequate seal and could allow air to enter, further compromising the patient's respiratory status.