Which of the following is NOT a potential complication of chest tube placement?

• A. Malposition/misplacement
• B. Infection at insertion site
• C. Persistent air leak
• D. Pain management requiring no intervention

Answer: (D)

Not every issue after chest tube placement is a complication. The true complications to watch for are events that threaten the patient or require additional intervention, such as malposition of the tube, which can prevent adequate drainage or cause injury; infection at the insertion site, which can progress to cellulitis or empyema; and a persistent air leak, which suggests ongoing air entry into the pleural space and can impede lung re-expansion or indicate a damaged lung or valve.

Pain management that requires no intervention is not a complication. Pain is expected after any invasive procedure; if it’s so mild that no analgesia is needed, that does not signify a problem with the chest tube.