Managing Chest Tubes

Framework (5 modules):

• Understanding the chest tube system — what each of the three chambers does, tidaling vs. bubbling explained

• Why a chest tube is placed — pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, post-surgical, empyema

• Ongoing assessment — drainage trending, chamber checks, site and tubing checks

• Routine safety practices — below-chest positioning, avoiding routine clamping, keeping emergency supplies at bedside

• If the tube falls out or disconnects — the two distinct emergencies and how the response differs

Practice Lab — Chest Tube Practice Lab (5 drills):

• Read the system — 6 scenarios interpreting tidaling, continuous vs. intermittent bubbling, and suction chamber activity

• Why this tube? — 6 scenarios matched to the 5 underlying causes

• Normal or needs attention? — 8 assessment findings sorted into expected vs. needing prompt attention

• Emergency response — 5 scenarios covering both dislodgement and disconnection, plus the follow-through (assess, notify, document) and prevention (catching a loose connection early)

• True or false: safety — 7 fundamentals, including the "never reinsert" and "avoid routine clamping" principles