What is the recommended dressing technique after chest-tube insertion?

• A. Sterile dressing with petroleum gauze at the insertion site, secured with tape on three sides to allow air to escape.
• B. Occlusive dressing sealed on all four sides.
• C. Non-sterile gauze dressing without petroleum gauze.
• D. Dry adhesive dressing that traps air at the insertion site.

Answer: (A)

After chest-tube insertion, dress the site with a sterile dressing that includes petroleum gauze directly over the insertion point, then secure it with tape on three sides to create a one-way escape path for air. The petroleum gauze helps prevent tissue from sticking to the gauze and forms a semi-occlusive barrier that allows air to exit if a pneumothorax occurs without allowing air to re-enter. Sealing all four sides would trap air and risk tension pneumothorax. A non-sterile gauze or a dry adhesive dressing that traps air wouldn’t provide the same protection against infection or permit safe air escape.