A chest tube is inserted in a pneumothorax patient to achieve which of the following?

The correct choice is based on the primary purpose of a chest tube in the context of a pneumothorax. A chest tube is inserted to allow for the evacuation of air (and potentially fluid) from the pleural space. In a pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural cavity, leading to collapsed lung tissue and impaired respiratory function. By inserting a chest tube, healthcare providers can create a pathway for the trapped air to escape, thereby re-expanding the lung and restoring normal physiology.

The action of removing air is crucial because it alleviates pressure on the lungs and facilitates proper breathing. While fluid drainage may also be necessary in cases of hemothorax or pleural effusion, the question specifically relates to pneumothorax, where the primary concern is the presence of air.

In contrast, administering oxygen is a supportive measure and would not directly resolve the underlying issue of air in the pleural space. Promoting scar tissue formation is not a goal of chest tube insertion; in fact, the intent is for lung re-expansion, not to encourage scarring. Lastly, while there are instances where antibiotics may be required for infection, inserting them into the pleural space via a chest tube is not a standard practice