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Chest tube clogging can lead to infection. The chest tube is there to remove fluid from around the lung. If the tube becomes clogged, the fluid builds up around the lung. This fluid can become infected, which is called an empyema. An empyema can require a major operation to remove the thick and infected material from around the lung. Chest tube are more frequently being left in for home care and the patient discharged from home. If the tube stops draining, it either means there is no more fluid to drain, or the tube is clogged. If the tube is clogged and the fluid accumulates, this is a set up for an infection related to a clogged tube.
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What can a nurse do to manage chest tube clogging after heart surgery?
Regardless of diameter size, any tube used to drain the chest after surgery can become clogged. This usually happens in the setting of bleeding. Bleeding and clotting in the tube in this circumstance can be life threatening for two reasons. First, the amount of blood that comes out is very carefully monitored as a measure of the seriousness of the bleeding. If blood pools in the chest, for example, unnoticed because it is not coming out of the tubes, the patient can loose a large volume of blood. This can have severe consequences, including circulatory collapse and death. Second, if blood pools in the pericardial space, it can compress the heart, impairing the return of blood to the heart, and thus the ability of the ventricle to fill and empty. This condition, known as pericardial tamponade, likewise results in shock and can be fatal. In the setting of an air leak from the lung, clogging of the chest tube can lead to a pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, or even death when the air builds up under pressure in the pleural space. When clinicians (mainly nurses and doctors) caring for patients in the perioperative period following chest surgery and trauma notice that there is clot forming in the tube, they often undertake measures to try to remove the clot. When clogging occurs in the visible portion of a chest tube, the options to clear the obstructed tube are limited. Even if the visible portion of the chest tube where it exits the skin appears patese, obstructing clot can occur in the tube inside the chest where it is not visible. Options to address clogging are limited, but often include squeezing, stripping and "milking" the tubes, or applying open suctioning - all of which undesirable for nurses and often dangerous activities for patients. The fact is that the options are limited once a tube starts to clog, especially in the setting of ongoing bleeding. Chest tube stripping, and milking, are not very effective.
What are complications of chest tube removal?
pain pneumothorax bleeding infection low 02. saturation sob
What is the reason for having a chest drainage procedure?
Chest drainage therapy is done to relieve pressure on the lungs, and remove fluid that could promote infection. Installing a chest drainage tube can be either an emergency or a planned procedure.
What are large passageways in the chest that lead into the lungs?
The bronchial tubes connect the trachea (breathing tube) to the lungs.
Chest tube supplies at bedside?
Chest tube supplies are important after surgery. Chest tube supplies should be kept at a person's bedside for easy access if needed.
What is the difference between a standard chest tube and a chest tube with a trocar?
a standard chest tube is a hollow tube that inserts into the chest's pleural cavity. a trocar is a metal rod that's inside the chest tube, some doctors prefor the trocar for easier insertion through the intercostal muscles.
Does an ear infection spread to the other ear?
One of the main causes for ear infections is clogging the eustachian tube with mucous by blowing the nose too vigorously or by blocking a sneeze. If you have one infected ear, you will probably get it in both if you continue forcing mucous back up the eustachian tube of the other ear.
What is oscillation in a chest tube?
movement of fluid in chest tube R/T inspiration & expiration
When do we need Chest Tube Insertion besides for pleural effusion?
a chest tube is used for the treatment of pnuemothorax or hemopnuemothorax..
After chest tube insertion what do you do next?
stat chest x-ray
What complications may follow thoracotomy?
risk of infection; the patient must learn how to keep the incision clean and dry as it heals. After the chest tube is removed, the patient is vulnerable to pneumothorax.
What to do if the chest tube is accidentally dislodged?
Immediately apply sterile gauze over the chest tube insertion site and notify doctor.
