When dealing with a contaminated chest tube end, which supplies should be kept at the bedside?

• A. Bottle of sterile water, clamps, antiseptic wipes
• B. Gauze pads only
• C. Scissors and needle
• D. Tape alone

Answer: (A)

When a chest tube end is contaminated, you must be prepared to protect the pleural space and maintain a sterile, controllable system. Having a bottle of sterile water, clamps, and antiseptic wipes at the bedside covers the essential needs: sterile water helps maintain or re-establish the underwater seal that prevents air from entering the pleural space; clamps allow immediate control of the tube to stop air entry or during system changes; antiseptic wipes keep the connections and end clean to reduce infection risk.

Gauze pads alone don’t provide a way to preserve the water seal or to quickly control the system. Scissors and needle are unnecessary and could introduce injury or infection. Tape alone doesn’t maintain the sterile seal or provide a means to clamp or sanitize.