NCLEX Question for chest drainage tubes

NCLEX Review Question

In general, chest drainage tubes are not used for the patient undergoing

a.Pneumonectomy
b.Lobectomy
c.Wedge resection
d.Segmentectomy

Correct Answer: A
Pneumonectomy
Rationale: Usually, no drains are used for the pneumonectomy patient because the accumulation of fluid in the empty hemithorax prevents mediastinal shift.

Lobectomy
Rationale: With lobectomy, two chest tubes are usually inserted for drainage, the upper for air and the lower for fluid

Wedge resection
Rationale: With wedge resection, the pleural cavity usually is drained because of the possibility of an air or blood leak

Segmentectomy
Rationale: With segmentectomy, drains are usually used because of the possibility of an air or blood leak.

Posted in: MSN NCLEX