Step 5: Assessing the chest drain dressing
Tutorial demonstrations by Artemio Gonzales, Specialist Respiratory Nurse, ABUHB.
In this final tutorial, Arte outlines the following steps for assessing the chest drain dressing:
1. Check the dressing is intact and not soaking
If the dressing is soaking, peeling away or the skin looks inflamed, it should be removed, the skin checked and the dressing replaced using an aseptic technique.
2. Remove the dressing and check the skin
Holding the tube in place to prevent it falling out, gently peal away the dressing. You might need to carefully cut the dressing from the edges of the tubing if it does not peal away easily. Assess the skin and check for surgical emphysema (the presence of air under the skin).
3. Reapply the dressing
Reapply the dressing, ensuring it secures the tube in place and protects the wound.
Step 5: Assessing the chest drain dressing
Tutorial demonstrations by Artemio Gonzales, Specialist Respiratory Nurse, ABUHB.
In this final tutorial, Arte outlines the following steps for assessing the chest drain dressing:
1. Check the dressing is intact and not soaking
If the dressing is soaking, peeling away or the skin looks inflamed, it should be removed, the skin checked and the dressing replaced using an aseptic technique.
2. Remove the dressing and check the skin
Holding the tube in place to prevent it falling out, gently peal away the dressing. You might need to carefully cut the dressing from the edges of the tubing if it does not peal away easily. Assess the skin and check for surgical emphysema (the presence of air under the skin).
3. Reapply the dressing
Reapply the dressing, ensuring it secures the tube in place and protects the wound.
