This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Medicine
After undergoing a left pneumonectomy, a female patient has a chest tube in place for drainage. When caring for this patient, the nurse must 
Select and explain. 
A. Monitor fluctuations in the water-seal chamber, B. Clamp the chest tube once every shift, C. Encourage coughing and deep breathing, D. Milk the chest tube every 2 hours
C: Encourage coughing and deep breathing
Answer: C: Encourage coughing and deep breathing 
Explanation: When caring for a patient who is recovering from a pneumonectomy, the nurse should encourage coughing and deep breathing to prevent pneumonia in the unaffected lung.

Because the lung has been removed, the water-seal chamber should display no fluctuations. 
Reinflation is not the purpose of a chest tube.
Chest tube milking is controversial and should be done only to remove blood clots that obstruct the flow of drainage.