What should a nurse first check if a client with a chest tube is breathing with increased effort?

In a scenario where a client with a chest tube is experiencing increased respiratory effort, the first step is to check for kinks in the tubing. The chest tube system is designed to facilitate the drainage of fluid or air from the pleural space, thereby allowing the lungs to expand fully. If there are kinks or obstructions in the tubing, it can impede the proper functioning of the chest tube system, leading to difficulty in breathing and increased work of breathing for the patient.

Identifying and addressing kinks in the tubing is crucial because it can quickly restore optimal drainage, alleviating respiratory distress. Once this is assessed, other interventions can be considered if the situation does not improve.