What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with a chest tube?

Monitoring for air leaks and assessing respiratory status is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with a chest tube because this action directly addresses the patient's respiratory function, which can be compromised by conditions such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion requiring chest tube drainage. Ensuring that the chest tube is functioning effectively and that there are no leaks is crucial in maintaining proper negative pressure in the pleural space, which facilitates lung re-expansion and improves oxygenation.

Additionally, ongoing assessment of the respiratory status, including monitoring lung sounds, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is vital in detecting any changes that may suggest complications, such as reaccumulation of fluid or air, which may require further medical intervention. This proactive approach can help prevent complications and ensure that the patient's respiratory needs are met promptly.

While pain management and dressing changes are important aspects of care, they do not take precedence over the immediate need for respiratory monitoring in a patient with a chest tube. Positioning may be beneficial but is not the critical priority compared to the assessment and monitoring of the chest tube system itself and its impact on the patient’s respiratory status.