chest tube emergencies

Question 1

What do you do if tube becomes disconnected from distal source but remains in pt?

Answer 1

insert end of tubing in sterile water

re-establish water seal and attach new drainage system asap

Question 2

What do you do if tube is disconnected at adaptor or connector sight?

Answer 2

re-connect immediately

Question 3

If tube is dislodged from pt?

Answer 3

apply occlusive dressing over site and tape on 3 to 4 sides then contact surgeon

Question 4

If air leak noted

Answer 4

briefly clamp close to pt and note if leaking stops

continue in systematic fashion down tube