Which statement best describes how you should handle a chest tube during coughing or sneezing?

• A. Stabilize the tube and secure the dressing before coughing or sneezing.
• B. Remove the dressing to relieve tension.
• C. Let the tube move freely.
• D. Increase suction to prevent movement.

Answer: (A)

Stabilizing the chest tube and securing the dressing before coughing or sneezing is essential because coughing markedly raises intrathoracic pressure, which can tug on the tube and disrupt its position or the seal at the insertion site. When the tube shifts or the dressing loosens, air can leak into or out of the pleural space, and the tube can become dislodged, risking loss of drainage and impaired lung re-expansion. Keeping the tube steady and the dressing secure preserves an airtight seal around the entry, minimizes movement at the hotspot, and protects the patient from air leaks and accidental removal. Removing the dressing, allowing the tube to move freely, or indiscriminately increasing suction during coughing do not address the stability of the system and can lead to complications.