Chest drainage systems evacuate air or fluid from the pleural space. Caring for these systems requires vigilant tracking of pressure chambers.
Chamber Dynamics & Nursing Checklists
- Water-Seal Chamber: Watch for 'tidaling' (rise and fall of water level with patient breathing). Constant bubbling indicates an air leak in the system.
- Collection Chamber: Record drainage quantity and color. Report drainage exceeding 100 mL/hour immediately.
- Accidental Dislodgement Action: Cover the site with sterile occlusive dressing taped on 3 sides only (allows air to escape, preventing tension pneumothorax).
