Re: chest tube removal

In my facility we as RN's pull drains that are in the mediastinal space and not the pleura. Obviously if you did not feel right about something then don't do it. Typically these are pulled during the day (after CV surgeon orders it) so they are around God forbid.

Re: chest tube removal

thanks for your feedback. Currently the data I have found indicates, the chest tubes that are removed by nurses, seem to be placed by surgery and are a larger french then the ones used in specials. The Size ranges for us, are 8FR-14FR. THese are the same type tubes that we use for nephrostomies, abcess drains and chest tube drains. We have always removed abcess drains and nephrostomy drains in our department. The next step is to removel chest tubes, since they are the same tube, but of course with the supporting protocols.
Thanks

Re: chest tube removal

Is it possible to get hold of those competencies for the policy.
Thanks,
SPecials Nurse

Re: chest tube removal

Is it possible to get hold of your institutions policies, standards of care, and competencies for this practice.
Thanks,
Specials Nurse

Re: chest tube removal

Originally Posted by Specials Nurse

Is it possible to get hold of your institutions policies, standards of care, and competencies for this practice.
Thanks,
Specials Nurse

Have you considered bringing some of your cardiac surgeons on board with helping to develop your facility's P&P on this? That's probably going to be your best bet in getting this done.

Re: chest tube removal

I would involve cardiac surgery, however the Interventional Radiologists are the one's who put in the tubes in our department.
Thanks,
Specials Nurse

Re: chest tube removal

I am in my last semester of nursing school and I just finished up a rotation on a cardiac step-down floor. The nurses on that unit pulled chest tubes but did not pull the pacer wires. The PAs pulled the pacers.

Re: chest tube removal

Does anyone place chest tubes for radiology or special procedures that are 8-14fr. And if so, does your institution have protocols for removal and a competencies sign off sheet.
Thanks,
Specials Nurse

Re: chest tube removal

HI i work in a cardiac surgery area, and yes we do remove chest drains 24-48 hours post cardiac surgery. although you have to be assesed competent to perform it.

Re: chest tube removal

in my former work area in uk nurses do the chest drains removal, except for mediatinal drain, it's the doctors' job. we asked the patients to practice holding their breath for 3 seconds. then when confident already that they can follow we do the job.wounds should be closed as fast as posible to prevent air from going in.