CHEST TUBES

Objectives:1. Discuss the anatomy of the chest and the

mechanism of respirations

2. Discuss the indications for a chest tube

3. Discuss the structure and function of the chest bottle (drainage system)

4. Troubleshoot the problems with/maintain chest tubes and chest tube bottles

Inspiration:

Lung expansion Ribs move outwards and upwards Diaphragm moves downwards

Expiration: Decreased lung volume Ribs move inwards and downwards Diaphragm moves upwards

Pleura: Lungs are surrounded by two thin layers (films) called the pleurae

They function as lubricant, preventing the lungs from rubbing with the rib cage during inspiration and expiration

The area between the two pleurae is filled with a fluid called the pleural fluid (that fills a pleural space)

Outside the lungs

Inside the ribcageParietal:

The pleural fluid acts as a lubricant so the two films don’t rub each other

Visceral:

THE PLEURAL SPACE HAS ALWAYS A

NEGATIVE PRESSURE. OTHERWISE,

THE LUNGS WILL COLLAPSE

Pleural Pressure:The degree of negativity changes throughout the respiratory cycleIntrapleural pressure normally ranges from –(4) to –(10) cm of waterInspiration pressure drops to –(10) cm waterExpiration pressure rises up to –(4) cm waterIt is the pressure variance that allows the air to move in and out easily

Definition of the chest drainageIs the insertion of a tube into the pleural

and/or mediastenal space and a physician order required for the type of evacuation force: a-normally 20cm for adult

b-10-15cm for pediatricThe drainage must be kept always lower than

the patient to prevent backflow of fluid into the pleural or mediastinal space.

Indications of a Chest Tube:Pneumothorax

Hemothorax

Hemopneumothorax

Pleural Effusion

Empyema

Drainage

Chest tube location For evacuation of air: 2,3,4 intercostals

space are commonly used sites.

To drain fluid : 5,6 intercostals space are commonly used sites.

CHEST DRAINAGE SYSTEM

UNDEUXTROIS

1. Fluid Collection Chamber: Collects fluid as it drains from the pleural space

or mediastinal space2. Water Seal Chamber: Acts as a one way valve, allowing air to escape

from the patient and never return back. Always 2 cm of water.

3. Suction Control Chamber: Controls the amount of suction applied directly

to the patient. It improves the rate and flow of drainage.

Subcutaneous Emphysema: When the lungs or the air passages are injured,

air may enter the tissue planes and pass for some distance under the skin.

The tissues give a crackling sensation when palpated, and the subcutaneous air produces an alarming appearance as body becomes misshapen.

It is not a serious complication if the air is spontaneously absorbed or stopped, or if the leak is treated.

Chest Tube Assessment:

STOPS=SITE T=TUBING

P=PATENCY

O=OUTPUT

Site: Check for: Clean and dry dressing: change every 72

hrs ,use a prim pore dressing and clean with sterile technique.

Subcutaneous emphysema

1. palpate 3.contious monitoring

2.notify doctor

Tubing: Connections are secured No dependent loops Straighten periodically Keep bottle below patient’s level Tape the connections if 2 suction tubes are

used

Output: Amount, type and color Mark regularly Document Use the white on column

on the drainage chamber to

mark drainage level

Patency: A-water seal chamber Assess the Water seal with the suction off If water seal level is too high, it will be

more difficult for air leave the chest If the water is too low ,it leaves the water

seal chamber at risk for exposure to air can cause a pneumothorax

Patency: B-Bubbling:

Bubbling means there is a leak in the system unless the patient has a pneumothorax.

How to Check for an Air Leak?

Continue clamping

Clamp the tube below the dressing

Bubbling continues?

No

Leak is between patient and

dressing

Yes

Patency: C-fluctuation When inspiration the water seal level will reach -

10cm of negative pressure normally When expiration the water seal level will reach -

4cm of negative pressure normally When fluctuation stopped so the tubing may be

obstructed If more than 2cm the drainage will decreased If less than 2cm there risk of pneumothorax

Patency :D-suction drainage units Assess the suction control water level when the

suction is off Excessive bubbling in the suction control

chamber result in evaporation of the water which will decreased in applied suction and does not increase the pressure on the pleural or mediastinal cavity

Normally 80 mmhg of wall suction is required to ensure consistent delivery of suction

Patient Activity A semi-fowler position is required Position and turn the patient every 2 hrs3 Patent can be out of bed if there is no

contraindication Do (ROM) exercises to the affected arm

and shoulder site Encourage coughing and deep breathing

Clamping:

Changing the bottle Checking for an air leak Tubing is disconnected and sterile water is out of reach If changing the position and when elevating the tube system above the patient level is required

Don’t clamp when:

Ambulating a patient

:

Clamp only when:

Milking: Milking the tube is not recommended.

It creates a pressure of –(400) to – (100) cm of water that can cause a tension pneumothorax

Problem solving...