Step 1: Checking the patency and integrity of the chest drain
Tutorial demonstrations by Artemio Gonzales, Specialist Respiratory Nurse, ABUHB.
In this tutorial, Arte outlines the following steps for checking the patency and integrity of the chest drain:
1. Check the level (in cm) secured to the skin
This should be between 8 and 14cm, as indicated by the tube level on the side of the tube (in cm).
2. Check for twisting or obstruction
It is easy for the chest drain tube to become twisted or obstructed by the patient moving around, and this should be resolved by gently repositioning the tube.
3. Check the drain is swinging or bubbling
Where the chest drain tubes enters the bottle of water, it should either be swinging or bubbling, depending on whether the patient has fluid or air (respectively) in their pleural space. If the tube is not swinging or bubbling, the chest drain might be blocked and action should be taken (see step 3 for more details).
Step 1: Checking the patency and integrity of the chest drain
Tutorial demonstrations by Artemio Gonzales, Specialist Respiratory Nurse, ABUHB.
In this tutorial, Arte outlines the following steps for checking the patency and integrity of the chest drain:
1. Check the level (in cm) secured to the skin
This should be between 8 and 14cm, as indicated by the tube level on the side of the tube (in cm).
2. Check for twisting or obstruction
It is easy for the chest drain tube to become twisted or obstructed by the patient moving around, and this should be resolved by gently repositioning the tube.
3. Check the drain is swinging or bubbling
Where the chest drain tubes enters the bottle of water, it should either be swinging or bubbling, depending on whether the patient has fluid or air (respectively) in their pleural space. If the tube is not swinging or bubbling, the chest drain might be blocked and action should be taken (see step 3 for more details).
