chest tube drainage

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i have a patient with chest tube drainage and i have never cared for a patient with chest tube drainage systems before. what should i do?

Specializes in NP / USAFR Flight Nurse.

"5- What is the difference between transudate and exudate, and why do we care?

"Transudates" and "exudates" are descriptive names for types of fluids that can collect in the pleural space. Transudates you might think of as "thinner" - they often result from CHF, and you might think of them as more "watery", being "sweated" into the pleural space when a patient is "wet". Exudates might be thought of as "thicker" - they contain more protein, and usually result from some kind of inflammatory process. They can also be a result of tumor processes - patients with lung Ca or pleural mets often show up with exudative fluid collections. You tell the difference by sending thoracentesis specs to the lab."

Ive always wanted to ask that and was too lazy so far to look it up.

As always Tweety, thanks! ;)

PS. Hows St. Pete's weather? I moved to TN 3 weeks ago and thought Id left that nasty heat behind. Boy was I wrong! At least in Seminole I had the beach close by.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

Outside of taping the chest tube to the bed and floor as of others have wisely mentioned...

You'd best get the patient up at least three times during the shift to a bedside chair. Usually an order by a wise physician will plead that you do this.

I have seen patients who were left on bed rest forever and no one dared get them up; too heavy, too lazy, in too much pain, too sleepy, and of course the just leave me alone I know what's best for me attitude. Yet, after bowing to an insistent nurse and letting gravity do its work. Wow. How much drainage accumulates in the tube is mind boggling. Sometimes, 200ml no kids. Of course they report a considerable decrease in their level of discomfort. Go figure.

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Specializes in NP / USAFR Flight Nurse.
Outside of taping the chest tube to the bed and floor as of others have wisely mentioned...

You'd best get the patient up at least three times during the shift to a bedside chair. Usually an order by a wise physician will plead that you do this.

I have seen patients who were left on bed rest forever and no one dared get them up; too heavy, too lazy, in too much pain, too sleepy, and of course the just leave me alone I know what's best for me attitude. Yet, after bowing to an insistent nurse and letting gravity do its work. Wow. How much drainage accumulates in the tube is mind boggling. Sometimes, 200ml no kids. Of course they report a considerable decrease in their level of discomfort. Go figure.

Don't forget...hallalua, they can breathe again :)

But, watch that bp with output like that :twocents:

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