Which statement about the removal of a chest tube is NOT true?

The statement that the nurse usually removes the tube with physician's supervision is not accurate as nurses are often trained to perform the procedure independently within their scope of practice, particularly if they follow established protocols and have the necessary experience.

In many healthcare settings, the nurse is competent to assess the readiness for chest tube removal based on specific criteria set by the institution. The procedure itself can be carried out by a qualified nurse, as long as the appropriate assessments have been made and the nurse has the authority to do so, thus making the assertion about needing physician supervision misleading in this context.

On the other hand, positioning the patient side-lying with the head of the bed elevated helps to promote comfort and ensures that any potential air release from the pleural space can safely escape. The Valsalva maneuver is also commonly instructed during removal, as it helps prevent air from entering the pleural space and can minimize complications like a pneumothorax. Maintaining aseptic technique is crucial to prevent infection during the removal process, ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure.