Question

List 12 guidelines for caring for residents with chest tube?

Answer 1

Caring for residents with chest tubes involves monitoring drainage, securing the tube, checking for air leaks, and assessing for infection. Sterile technique during dressing changes, careful patient mobilization, and ensuring proper tube function are also important. Pain management, education, communication, and monitoring vital signs and respiratory status complete the guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Monitor the chest tube drainage: Regularly assess and record the amount, color, and consistency of the fluid draining from the chest tube.
2. Keep the drainage system below the level of the patient's chest: Ensure that the chest drainage system is positioned lower than the patient's chest to allow for proper drainage.
3. Secure the chest tube: Use dressings, tape, or a specialized securement device to keep the chest tube in place and prevent it from becoming dislodged.
4. Monitor for air leaks: Check for any air leaks in the chest tube system by observing for continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
5. Assess for signs of infection: Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage at the site of the chest tube insertion.
6. Maintain sterile technique during dressing changes: When changing the dressing around the chest tube site, follow proper sterile technique to prevent infection.
7. Mobilize the patient carefully: Assist the patient with movement and activities while being mindful of the chest tube and its connections.
8. Ensure proper tube function: Regularly check that the chest tube is not kinked or obstructed, and that the drainage system is working correctly.
9. Administer pain medication as needed: Provide appropriate pain relief to the patient as prescribed.
10. Education and communication: Educate the patient and their caregivers about the purpose of the chest tube, signs and symptoms to watch out for, and proper care techniques. Maintain open lines of communication with the healthcare team.
11. Monitor vital signs and respiratory status: Keep a close watch on the patient's vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and respiratory effort to detect any changes or complications.