why two sets of clamps on chest tube?

[F.E.R.N., BSN, RN]

Okay, so I was asked a question I am stumped to answer and since it wasn't my patient, I didn't have the instructions

We've all heard the various teachings on chest tubes and clamping/not clamping in different situations. Why (on at least some modesls of collection devices) are there clamps on both the tubing going to the patient and on the suction tubing going from the collection device? Wouldn't the pinch clamps on the patient tubing be sufficient? I am overthinking this one, I'm sure...haven't had a chest tube in a long time, and if all else fails, I usually read the device manual

[mad-mary]

The system we use only has the clamp on the device side. I will usually clamp the patient side as well as this seems like the most important side, especially when the purpose of the tube is to re-inflate a lung.

[fiveofpeep]

to determine location of air leak? beats me