What are safety considerations when caring for a patient with a chest tube?

Never lift drain above chest level

• Never lift drain above chest level.
• The unit and all tubing should be below patient’s chest level to facilitate drainage.
• Tubing should have no kinks or obstructions that may inhibit drainage.
• Ensure all connections between chest tubes and drainage unit are tight and secure.

When removing a chest tube what interventions are important to prevent the recurrence of a pneumothorax?

[73] Given that no method has shown to be superior in preventing pneumothorax, we recommend choosing one method to consistently use when removing the tube. Ultimately, quick removal of the TT while maintaining occlusion of the thoracostomy site helps prevent a recurrent pneumothorax during removal.

How frequently should observations be completed post insertion of chest drain?

The frequency of observations depends on clinical presentation/progress and medical request but should happen hourly for the first 4 hours immediately following chest drain insertion and then at least 4 hourly. Fluid within the tube should swing with respiration due to changes in intra- pleural pressure.

When is clamping a chest tube contraindicated?

If you see visible clots, squeeze hand-over-hand along the tubing and release the tubing between squeezes to help move the clots into the CDU [1]. As a rule, avoid clamping a chest tube. Clamping prevents the escape of air or fluid, increasing the risk of tension pneumothorax.

How much is too much chest tube drainage?

In fact, our findings showed that when drainage reach 200 ml/day, it is safe to remove the chest tube irrespective of the course of pleural effusion or pneumothorax.

How do you strengthen your lungs after pneumothorax?

Take your medicines as directed by your doctor. Use your spirometer (machine to strengthen lungs). Do the deep breathing and coughing exercises at least 4 times a day. Keep the bandage on for 48 hours.

Can you dive after pneumothorax?

Commonly known as a collapsed lung, and sometimes the result of barotrauma, a pneumothorax, when determined to be spontaneous (without a specific cause) will disqualify a diver from diving.

What does clamping a chest tube do?

Clamping prevents the escape of air or fluid, increasing the risk of tension pneumothorax.

How much chest tube drainage is normal per hour?

7.1 Place container upright on floor. 7.2 Mark and date drainage, at eye level, on collection chamber. 7.3 Record. Pediatric: 3 mL/Kg/hour in a 3 hour period or 5 to 10 mL/Kg in any 1 hour period.

How much chest tube drainage is too much?

How much should a chest tube drain per hour?