Chest tubes Flashcards
What does the pleural cavity cover?
The lungs
What does the Mediastinal cavity cover?
The heart
What should be in the pleural cavity?
Nothing except 5-10mL of lubricating fluid for inhale & exhale ease
What is the thorax natural state?
Expansion
What is the lung natural state?
Collapse
The thorax and lungs exist has _____ forces and state of ___ intrapleural pressure?
opposing
Negative
What happens if the negative pressure is lost in the pleura space?
the 2 pleura separate (lung collapses)
Who requires chest drainage?
-Heart failure
-Thoracic surgery
-Central line accidentally gets in intrapleural space
-Spontaneous bleb rupture
-Malignacies
-Decrease in colloidal osmotic pressure
Pneumothorax
Air in pleural space
Spontaneous pneumothorax
no apparent cause
Hemothorax
Blood in pleural space
Thoracotomy
Surgical opening into thorax
Thoracentesis
Removal of pleural fluid with large bore needle (Provider done)
Pleural effusion
excess fluid in pleural space (CXR if >300mLs)
-Impairs oxygenation, decreases surface area, SOB
Empysema
Pus in pleural space
What would you hear if somebody had a pleural effusion?
No or decreased breath sounds
If somebody has open heart surgery what would be in their pleural space?
Blood and air
If somebody has a bleb and spontaneous lung collapse what would be in their pleural space?
air
What is the next best nursing action if <20% pneumothorax?
bedrest, limited activity, let it reabsorb on its own
What is the next best nursing action if >20% pneumothorax?
contact HCP for thoracentesis or insertion of chest tube attached to an underwater seal
What is the nursing action with chest tube insertion?
-Stay w/ patient (painful)
-Premedicate
-Obtain thoracotomy tray, chest tube, & drainage system
-Help maintain correct position
Where would a chest tube be placed if draining air?
Apex of lung