CHEST TUBES: MONITORING, CARE, AND DRESSING CHANGES

Course overview

A chest tube (also known as a thoracic catheter) is a semi-flexible cannula that is inserted into the intrapleural space (i.e., the potential space between the parietal and visceral pleura—between the lungs and the chest wall) or the mediastinal space (i.e., the section of the thoracic cavity that surrounds the heart, trachea, esophagus, and great vessels) of the thorax. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of nursing responsibilities involved in caring for a patient with a chest tube. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.