adult health

Question 1

Tension pneumothorax:

Answer 1

Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency when intrathoracic pressure compresses the heart.

Question 2

Key signs of Tension pneumothorax: include

Answer 2

tracheal deviation, hypotension, and JVD. If present,
immediately prepare for needle decompression.

Question 3

Collection
chamber:
Collects air/
blood/fluid

Answer 3

Monitor amount, color, and
consistency of drainage.
Report >100 mL/hr of bloody
drainage.

Question 4

Water seal
chamber:
Prevents air
from entering
pleural space

Answer 4

Monitor bubbling.
Intermittent bubbling =
normal.
Continuous bubbling =
air leak.

Question 5

Suction
control
chamber:
Applies
controlled
suction (wet
suction)

Answer 5

Monitor bubbling.
Gentle bubbling = normal.
Absence of bubbling = not
enough suction.

Question 6

Chest tube care:

Answer 6

Keep the chest tube drainage
system below chest level and monitor the color and amount of drainage. Do not clamp or milk
the tube unless specifically ordered by the HCP.

Question 7

Dislodged chest tube:

Answer 7

If the tube becomes
dislodged, immediately tape a three-sided gauze dressing to the insertion site to allow air
to escape but not enter.

Question 8

Disconnected chest tube:

Answer 8

If the chest tube
disconnects or the drainage system breaks, immediately place the tip of the tubing into sterile water to create a temporary water seal.