Saunders Respiratory Practice 2026 - Free Respiratory Practice Questions and Study Guide

A chest tube is primarily used to drain fluid or air from the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This procedure is essential in various clinical situations such as pneumothorax (where air accumulates in the pleural space), hemothorax (accumulation of blood), or pleural effusion (excess fluid). By placing a chest tube, healthcare providers can help restore normal pressure in the pleural cavity and allow the lungs to re-expand, thereby improving breathing and oxygenation in the patient.

The other choices, while related to respiratory care, do not accurately describe the primary function of a chest tube. For example, inserting medication directly into the lungs usually requires a different delivery method like nebulization or an inhaler. Measuring lung capacity is typically done through pulmonary function tests, which assess lung volumes without the need for invasive procedures like chest tube placement. Lastly, performing lung surgery involves direct surgical intervention and is not a function of a chest tube, which is used mainly for drainage purposes. Therefore, the indication for using a chest tube is clearly to manage fluid or air in the pleural cavity.