In the context of chest tube management, what is the appropriate action if a patient is moving without portable suction?

Transporting a patient with a chest tube involves careful consideration of the potential risks and the physiological implications for the patient. When a patient is moving without portable suction available, using a water seal is the most appropriate action to ensure that the pleural space remains under controlled conditions.

A water seal allows for the escape of air or fluid from the pleural space while preventing air from re-entering. This is particularly important in cases where a pneumothorax may be present. By using water seal during transport, the risk of introducing external air into the pleural space is minimized, which can potentially worsen the patient's condition.

While some may consider options like clamping the chest tube, this can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space, which can be dangerous, particularly if there are existing issues like pneumothorax or hemothorax. Increasing suction settings is not applicable in this scenario as the patient is moving, and additional suction may not be safe or effective. Leaving the chest tube connected to wall suction without a portable option can also risk complications, such as dislodging the tube or losing necessary drainage during movement.

Thus, transporting the patient with a water seal allows for adequate management of the chest tube while ensuring that the ple