Chest tube complications

Question 1

What is the sign that there is an air leak in the chest tube?

Answer 1

continuous rapid bubbling in the water seal chamber

Question 2

What is the intervention for an air leak in a chest tube?

Answer 2

start at the chest and move down the tubing to locate the leak; tighten the connection or replace the drainage system.

Keep connection taped securely

Question 3

What is the intervention for no tidaling in the water seal chamber?

Answer 3

Check for kinks in the tubing

check for breast sounds (lungs re-expanded)

Question 4

What is the intervention for no bubbling in the SUCTION CONTROL chamber?

Answer 4

1. Verify tubing is attached
2. verify water is filled to the prescribed level
3. Check wall suction regulator

Question 5

What are the interventions for when the chest tube is disconnected from the system?

Answer 5

Insert the open end of the chest tube into sterile water until the system can be replaced

Question 6

What are the interventions for when the chest tube accidentally gets pulled from the client?

Answer 6

1. cover the insertion site with a STERILE DRESSING (or vaseline gauze) taped on three sides
2. contact provider
3. prepare for reinsertion

Question 7

What is a sign that the tube may be dislodged?

Answer 7

crackles in the lung (encourage the pt to cough and deep breathe)