A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement.
Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client’s bedside?
A.
Wire cutters.
B.
Tracheostomy tray.
C.
Montgomery straps.
D.
Padded clamp.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Wire cutters.
Explanation:
A thoracotomy with chest tube placement involves opening the chest cavity to gain access to the lungs or other thoracic structures. Postoperatively, the client will have a chest tube in place to facilitate the drainage of air, blood, or other fluids that might accumulate in the pleural space. Proper management of the chest tube is crucial for the client’s recovery and to prevent complications.
Wire Cutters: Wire cutters are essential to have at the bedside for clients with chest tubes because they are needed in emergencies. In the event of a chest tube displacement or if the chest tube becomes disconnected, wire cutters can be used to quickly cut any securing materials or tubing. This ensures that the chest tube can be removed or re-secured appropriately to prevent further complications. Immediate access to wire cutters helps in dealing with potential emergencies related to the chest tube.
Tracheostomy Tray: A tracheostomy tray is used for patients who have a tracheostomy, which is a procedure different from a thoracotomy. It is not directly relevant to the care of a patient with a chest tube and therefore not necessary for the postoperative care of a thoracotomy patient.
Montgomery Straps: Montgomery straps are used for securing dressings and are not specific to chest tube management. They are typically employed in wound care and not for chest tube maintenance or emergencies.
Padded Clamp: While a padded clamp might be used in certain situations to manage a chest tube, it is not as critical as wire cutters for immediate emergency situations. Wire cutters provide a more versatile and essential tool for quickly addressing issues that may arise with chest tube management.
In summary, wire cutters are the most crucial piece of equipment to have at the bedside of a client who has undergone a thoracotomy with chest tube placement due to their role in managing emergencies related to the chest tube.