What is the primary objective of chest drainage therapy?

• A. To irrigate the pleural space
• B. To reestablish normal vacuum pressures by removing air or fluid
• C. To seal the pleural space from air entry
• D. To deliver aerosolized medication

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to restore the normal negative pressure in the pleural space by removing air or fluid. When air or fluid accumulates, the intrapleural pressure becomes less negative and the lung cannot fully expand. A chest tube drains the pleural space, either by gravity or with suction, allowing the lung to re-expand and ventilation to improve. It isn’t about irrigating the space, sealing air entry as the sole purpose, or delivering aerosolized medications, which don’t address the disturbed intrapleural pressure.