VNSG 2214 – Applied Skills
Module IV – Chest Tubes
1. Discuss the purpose of water seal drainage.
I. Water seal drainage
A. Evacuation of body fluids or air from chest cavity
B. Re-expand the lung
2. Discuss safety factors when caring for a patient with chest tubes.
II. Safety
A. Do not disconnect chest tube from drainage system.
B. Palpate skin around chest tube insertion for free air.
C. Reinforce connections with tape to prevent tubes from pulling apart.
D. Keep drainage system below chest level.
E. Auscultate breath sounds frequently.
F. Do not empty drainage system.
G. Keep drainage system upright.
H. Maintain suction pressure as directed.
3. Skills Performance
III. Perform
A. Set up closed chest drainage system.
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