Clamping a chest tube during transport can cause which complication?

• A. Pulmonary edema
• B. Hemothorax
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Pneumothorax

Answer: (D)

Clamping a chest tube during transport blocks the path for air and fluid to leave the pleural space. If air is still leaking from the lung, trapping it inside raises the intrapleural pressure, causing the lung to collapse. If air continues to accumulate, it can become a tension pneumothorax, where pressure pushes on the heart and great vessels and can rapidly compromise breathing and circulation. That acute threat is why pneumothorax is the correct concern here.

Pulmonary edema and myocardial infarction are not caused by clamping a chest tube. Hemothorax could worsen if drainage is abruptly stopped, but the immediate, most recognized risk from clamping during transport is pneumothorax.