The registered nurse is assisting with the removal of a chest tube. Which intervention has the highest priority and should be anticipated by the RN after the removal of the chest tube?

• A. Monitor vital signs every 4 hours
• B. Administer analgesia
• C. Prepare the client for chest x-ray at the bedside
• D. Remove dressing after assessment

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the highest immediate risk after removing a chest tube is a pneumothorax and impaired lung expansion. Getting a chest x-ray at the bedside right after removal provides the quickest and most definitive information about whether air remains in the pleural space and whether the lung has re-expanded. This imaging guides immediate decisions and further management, reducing the chance of missed complications.

Vital signs monitoring and analgesia are important parts of post-procedure care, but they do not directly confirm the absence of a pneumothorax. Dressing removal is a routine step that can be addressed after confirming the lung status. Therefore, preparing the client for a bedside chest x-ray is the priority to ensure patient safety and appropriate next steps.