When caring for a client with a chest tube, where should the drainage apparatus always be positioned?

The drainage apparatus for a client with a chest tube should always be positioned below the client's chest level to promote proper drainage of pleural fluid or air and to facilitate the gravity-dependent function of the system. When the drainage system is below the chest level, it allows any collected fluid to flow into the drainage container, helping to prevent any backflow that could lead to complications such as fluid accumulation in the pleural space or pressure buildup. This positioning aids in maintaining negative intrathoracic pressure, which is essential for lung expansion.

Choosing a location above the chest level would hinder drainage and may lead to complications, while positioning it at the same level as the bed may also prevent proper gravitational drainage. Therefore, ensuring the drainage system is below the chest level is a crucial aspect of managing chest tube therapy effectively.