Chest Tube Drainage Systems

Question 1

Three bottle Water-Seal Suction Drainage System

Answer 1

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Question 2

Suction in applied to the drainage system when a large amount of heavy fluid (blood) needs to be drained.

Answer 2

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Question 3

The suction control bottle regulates the amount of negative pressure being applied above the water seal.

Answer 3

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Question 4

The water height in the suction control, in relation to Tube C, will determine the amount of negative pressure regardless of the amount of suction through Tube D.

Answer 4

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Question 5

If Tube C is inserted into 10cm of water, any suction pressure exceeding 10cmH20 will cause air to be drawn in through Tube C and create bubbling.

Answer 5

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Question 6

Thus, if bubbling is occurring, it can be assumed that 10cm of negative pressure is being maintained by the suction control bottle and applied to the drainage system.

Answer 6

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Question 7

The middle bottle is the water-seal bottle, preventing air from entering the pleural cavity. Normally there is little or no bubbling in this bottle. Continuous bubbling should be reported, as this indicates an air leak.

Answer 7

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Question 8

The water level in the water seal bottle should be monitored to detect any sudden change in pleural pressure. Pulmonary edema may result if there is a malfunction that creates a sudden re-expansion of the lung.

Answer 8

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Question 9

Tube B connects the water-seal bottle to the collection bottle.

Answer 9

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Question 10

The collection bottle is marked to allow measurement of pleural drainage.

Answer 10

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Question 11

If water seal breaks, submerge chest tube in a glass of water. If patient is receiving mechanical ventilation then leave the tube open to atmospheric air until a new system can be set up.

Answer 11

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