Chest Tubes Flashcards
What are chest tubes used for?
Inserted into chest to drain blood, fluid, or air
What are reasons chest tubes might be used?
Cardiothoracic surgery
Pneumothorax
Hemothorax
Pleural effusions
Where are chest tubes placed?
Pleural or mediastinal
What is a wall suction chest tube?
Actively suctions fluid from chest cavity
What is a water seal chest tube?
Passively allows fluid to escape chest cavity by gravity (chamber acts as one way valve)
When is clamping used in chest tubes?
To prep chest tube removal or in emergencies
Where is a chest tube inserted for cardiac surgery?
Mediastinal (off wall suction)
What is the suction for a pulmonary surgery or injury?
On wall suction
Where does the suctions need to be kept at all times?
Below the chest (no ROM or mobility restrictions)
