Today our topic of discussion is Assessment of Proper Functioning.

Assessment of Proper Functioning

Assessment of Proper Functioning

Observing the oscillating movements of the fluid up and down in the water-sealed tube
Observing the intermittent bubbling in the water seal bottle
Observing the collection of drainage in the water seal or drainage bottles .
Observing the periodic emptying of the suction control tube and bubbling in the suction control bottle when a mechanical suction is attached to the under-water seal drainage system
Ascertain the status of the patient by assessing vital signs and the appearance frequently.

Precautions to be Taken while Replacing Chest Drainage Bottles

Assemble the bottle with tight stopper and tubes and check for their proper functioning .
Double clamp the chest catheters close to the patient’s chest to prevent entry of air into the pleural cavity .
Clamps are applied at the end of a full inspiration to prevent the air being sucked into the pleural space
Disconnect the bottle to be replaced along with the drainage tubing and attach to the new set, taking care not to contaminate the end of the chest catheters
Be certain that the bottle is placed well before the chest level and is fixed safely to prevent falling or being kicked over accidentally
Unclamp the patient’s chest catheter and make certain that the system is functioning properly before leaving the patient
Watch the patient’s vital signs for few minutes to see any changes in the general conditions.

Chest Catheter Removal

The chest catheter is removed only on the return order of the physician, and is removed by the physician Usually the chest catheters are removed in two or three days, provided the remaining lung tissue is well expanded, the air leaks are absent and fluid drainage is less than 75 ml. per day
Achest X-ray may be taken before the chest catheters are removed to make sure that the lungs are fully expanded
After removal of the chest catheters, the wound is Covered with sterile petrolatum gauze and a firm dressing is applied over the wound which is secured with wide strips of adhesive tapes
After removal of the catheters the patient is observed closely for the development of respiratory distress.

Discharge Teaching

The following advice is given to these patients on discharge from the hospital.
To have deep breathing and coughing exercise
To maintain good nutrition
To maintain good hygiene especially oral hygiene
To avoid activities or environment that can cause irritation of trachea bronchial tree
They are advised not to smoke, to avoid dusty place and to avoid exposure to the persons having respiratory infections
To consult the physician if symptoms of upper respiratory infections or other ailments develop
To obtain a fitness certificate before they join their duty. .

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