Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most appropriate instruction for the patient when preparing for chest tube removal is to hold their breath until the tube is out. This technique is important because it helps to prevent the influx of air into the pleural space during the removal process, especially if the patient has a pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Holding the breath increases intrathoracic pressure, which can minimize the risk of potential complications such as pneumothorax or respiratory distress that might occur if air were to enter the space suddenly.

Although some may think that inhaling rapidly and deeply or exhaling calmly might be good strategies, these approaches could inadvertently cause air to rush into the pleural cavity during the moment of removal. Additionally, asking the patient to relax may be beneficial in general, but it does not specifically address the critical timing aspect needed for the safe removal of the chest tube. Hence, holding the breath creates a safety mechanism that protects the patient's respiratory status during this procedure.