NUR 290 Lecture Notes - Lecture 49: Chest Tube, Suction Pressure, Serous Fluid
Document Summary
Pleural space: a small space that surrounds the lungs that contains a small amount of serous fluid. This small space is surrounded by the parietal and visceral pleurae. These two layers glide over each other which creates a negative pressure. Therefore, if air or extra fluid enters into the pleural space the lungs are severely affected and can collapse. *always familiarize yourself with what your facility uses and be sure to receive the proper training because each hospital uses different drainage systems. Wet suction (water seal suction) or dry suction. It allows for higher suction pressure levels, has no bubbling sounds, and water does not evaporate from it as with other systems. Drainage system itself: keep system below patient"s chest. Tubing: keep it free from kinks and make sure it is draining freely (not clots or stagnate fluid) and that all connections are sealed.
