Question

Which of the following is an expected finding in a patient with a tube thoracostomy connected to a chest drainage system?

Output of 200 mL per hour

Tubing clamp closed for transport

Dependent loops in the tubing to promote drainage

Fluctuation in the water seal chamber

Answer 1

Thoracotomy :- It is a surgical procedure, in which a surgeon makes an incision into the chest wall between the ribes.

Chest tube drainage:- Removal of abnormal accumulation of fluids and air from the pleural space.

Water seal chamber:- This is a chamber, in which tip of the the chest tube is under water.

This allowing fluids and air to drain from pleural space and preventing entry of air into pleural space.

Expected findings:-

* Fluctuation in water seal chamber stops if a dependent loop exists or if the tube is obstructed. So we need to monitor the fluctuation of fluid level in the water seal chamber.

*It is important to notify the physician if the drainage is more than 70 to 100 ml/hr or increase suddenly.

*Never clamp a chest tube without a written prescription from the physician.

*Answer of this question is fluctuation in water seal chamber.