Saunders Respiratory Practice

Why is it important to administer pain medication prior to chest tube removal?

1. To facilitate better breathing

2. To ease anxiety for the client

3. To prevent discomfort during the procedure

4. To ensure the client can tolerate repositioning

The correct answer is: To prevent discomfort during the procedure

Administering pain medication prior to chest tube removal is significant primarily because it helps to prevent discomfort during the procedure. The process of removing a chest tube can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful due to the presence of inflammation or irritation of the pleura, as well as the physical sensation of removing a foreign object from the body. By providing analgesia beforehand, it minimizes the patient's experience of pain, promotes a more relaxed atmosphere, and can lead to a smoother procedure with potential less stress for both the patient and the healthcare provider. While alleviating anxiety, facilitating better breathing, or ensuring the client can tolerate repositioning are important considerations in overall patient care, they do not address the immediate physical discomfort that may occur specifically during the chest tube removal. Therefore, the primary focus of pain management in this context is to enhance comfort and prevent pain during the procedure itself.