A patient with a hemothorax has a chest tube in place. Which nursing intervention should be anticipated?

Attaching the chest tube to wall suction is a standard nursing intervention for managing a hemothorax. This approach helps facilitate the removal of blood and any other fluid that may have accumulated in the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand properly. Suctioning can enhance drainage and prevent complications associated with retained blood such as infection or pleural effusion. The suction pressure should be monitored, typically set to a low intermittent suction, to avoid tissue trauma or excessive negative pressure.

Other options may not align with the immediate management of a hemothorax. For example, draining the tube manually is not a routine practice, as chest tubes are designed to allow passive drainage without needing manual intervention. Obtaining a chest x-ray might be indicated, but it's usually done following chest tube insertion and during the ongoing assessment to ensure the tube is functioning as intended. Removing the chest tube would not be appropriate until the underlying issue, such as the hemothorax, is resolved, as premature removal could lead to serious complications, including recurrence of the hemothorax. Thus, attaching the chest tube to wall suction is the essential and expected nursing intervention for a patient with a hemothorax.