Which procedure involves placing a tube in the chest cavity?

The procedure that involves placing a tube in the chest cavity is known as a chest tube insertion. This is typically performed to drain air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space—the area between the lungs and the chest wall. By doing so, it allows the lungs to expand properly and facilitates breathing. Chest tube placement is a critical intervention in cases of pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), pleural effusion (fluid accumulation), or empyema (infected pleural effusion).

In contrast, a central line placement involves inserting a catheter into a large vein, usually in the neck, chest, or groin, and is intended for administering medication, fluids, or for drawing blood. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency procedure for someone whose heart has stopped, aimed at restoring circulation and breathing but does not involve taking actions related to the chest cavity directly. Incision and drainage refer to the surgical procedure done to relieve pressure or infection but does not specifically involve placing a tube in the chest cavity. Thus, the choice of chest tube is appropriate, as it directly addresses interventions related to the thoracic cavity.