What action should a respiratory therapist take when a chest tube shows no significant drainage?

When a chest tube shows no significant drainage, clamping the chest tube proximal to the patient is a necessary action to understand whether the issue is related to the drainage system or the patient's condition. Clamping can help assess if there is a blockage or any other issue hindering drainage. If there is minimal drainage while clamped, it suggests that there may be a problem with the tube or the collection system rather than the patient's condition.

In this scenario, examining the system for leaks is important to ensure functionality. However, if the chest tube isn't actively draining, investigating potential causes with clamping first allows for efficient troubleshooting. If massaging or manipulating the chest tube doesn't yield any results, or if a blockage is suspected, replacing the chest tube might become necessary, but this is typically not the first action unless there are clear signs of malfunction or presence of complications.