tplazio

Is anyone familiar with a palliative chest tube? I have encountered one once when I worked as the RN at a personal care home and now that i manage education for multple skilled facilities I'm hearing more and more case. These tubes are not attached to anything. When the MD orders you unclamp, connect a syringe and withdraw fluid/blood. My experience was new for me and the hospice nurse. We kind of muddled through it together. We kept a clean, dry dressing. Lung sounds and vital signs. To put something together to help these other nurses I was hoping someone has had more experience and can give me some guidance. The only other time I've clamped a chest tube was after I administered chemo into it and clamped it for several hours and then drained it. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks