The document discusses chest tubes, which are flexible plastic tubes inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space or mediastinum to drain fluid or air. Chest tubes are used to overcome the accumulation of air or fluid in the pleural cavity that can impair ventilation. The pleural membranes have an important role in ensuring the lungs are expanded, so any disruption or changes in the pleural space will compromise ventilation. The document provides information on chest tube sizes for adults and children, indications for chest tube insertion, postoperative care and monitoring, potential complications, and common problems that may occur.

1. Vaisakh. G
I Year MSc. Nursing,
AIMS,kochi.

2.  The external surface of the lungs are covered
by a thin, smooth serous membrane called the
VISCERAL PLEURA.
 A similar membrane lines the thoracic cavity,
this contains nerve receptors to detect pain
called the PARIETAL PLEURA

4. A Chest tube or Intercostal drainage
is the insertion of flexible plastic tube
through the chest wall into the pleural
space or mediastinum to drain fluid or
air.

6.  To overcome the accumulation of air or fluid in
the pleural cavity that might impair ventilation.
 Pleural membranes have a vital role in ensuring
the lungs are expanded.
 Therefore any disruption to the integrity of
these membranes or changes within the pleural
space,will compromise ventilation.

9. Adults - 20 Fr - 40Fr
Children - 6Fr – 26Fr

17. Observation
Pain control
Securing the drain

19.  Refractory coagulopathy
 Diaphramatic hernia
 Hepatic hydrothorax
 Pleural space adhesion

20. Position and fluid level
Suction
Changing dressing and
Bottle
Clamping

23.  Drainage slows or stops
 Accidental disconnection
 Transporting patient
 Changing the drainage device
 Removing chest tubes


24.  Chest tube malpositioning
 Reexpansion pulmonary edema
 Hypotention
 Infection
 Pneumonia
 Shoulderdisuse(frozen shoulder)