Then comes the pleural space, which measures about 15-20 microns wide in its normal state (2). This membrane lines the entire chest cavity. ![]() Behind the ribs lies the first layer of the pleural space, called the parietal pleura (2). Between each rib from top to bottom is a vein, artery, nerve, and more muscle (2). Then we come to the ribs, which form the basic protective cage that holds our lungs, heart, and some very important blood vessels. Beneath that is a layer of subcutaneous tissue, followed by muscle. Let’s start with a quick refresher on the structure of our lungs. This course aims to expand your knowledge and increase confidence in chest tube management.Ĭhest Tubes Nursing Care Basics – What Is a Chest Tube? Quick identification of potential complications could be the difference between life and death. Chest tubes nursing care is critical to overall health. Unfortunately, like anything else in healthcare, chest tubes are at risk for complication. Thus, it is essential for nursing staff to feel comfortable with chest tube management. Most nurses will encounter chest tubes at some point during their career– perhaps frequently, depending on where you work. They can be placed just about anywhere– the bedside, the operating room (OR), and interventional radiology. Today, thoracostomy tube (more commonly known as a chest tube) placement continues to be a very common procedure.Ĭhest tubes are utilized for a variety of reasons, ranging from emergent placement to routine use after an elective surgery (1). Though the process and equipment have evolved over the centuries, the basic principles of chest tubes nursing care have not changed (1). ![]() The ancient Greeks were the first to record techniques used to drain the pleural space (1).
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