What are the primary indications for placing a chest tube?

• A. Provide oxygen therapy to the patient.
• B. Drain the mediastinum after surgery.
• C. Monitor heart rhythm without pleural space intervention.
• D. Evacuate air (pneumothorax) or fluid from the pleural space to re-expand the lung.

Answer: (D)

Chest tubes are placed to evacuate air or fluid from the pleural space so the lung can re-expand. When air collects in the pleural space (pneumothorax) or when fluid or blood accumulates there (pleural effusion or hemothorax), the lung is compressed and can collapse. Removing that air or fluid through a chest tube restores the negative pressure needed for the lung to reopen and improves ventilation. After thoracic surgery, the tube helps drain remaining air or blood to prevent buildup and aid healing. Oxygen therapy, mediastinal drainage, and heart rhythm monitoring serve other purposes and aren’t accomplished by a chest tube, which is specifically for pleural-space drainage to re-expand the lung.