Daily management of an in-situ chest drain including bubbling, swing, and removal.
Indications
- • In-situ chest drain
Equipment
- • Underwater seal
- • Sterile dressing
- • Occlusive dressing (for removal)
Positioning
- • As appropriate for the procedure and patient comfort.
Consent
- • Explain indication, benefits, alternatives
- • Explain risks & complications
- • Obtain written/verbal consent as per SOP
- • Document consent
Universal precautions
- • Hand hygiene
- • PPE — gloves, mask, eye protection
- • Aseptic technique
- • Sharps safety
- • Verify patient identity & site
Step-by-step (0/6)
Tap to complete
Continuous = air leak; resolves with lung re-expansion.
Immediate complications
- ⚠ Recurrence on removal
- ⚠ Subcutaneous emphysema
Delayed complications
- • Empyema
Recognition
- • Increasing SC emphysema
- • Fever
Initial management
- • Reinsert if recurrence
- • Antibiotics for empyema
Prevention
- • Sterile technique
- • Correct clamping
Post-procedure observation
- • Vitals q15min × 1h then hourly
Monitoring
- • Site inspection
- • Symptom review
Documentation
- • Procedure note
- • Consent
- • Findings
Patient instructions
- • Report pain, bleeding, fever, worsening symptoms
Educational bedside guide. Perform only under supervision until competent. Follow local SOPs and consent policy.
