Authors

José Antonio Vaz Rodríguez1, Ana Díaz Estrella2

Position

¹Enfermero. Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología. Hospital Ernest Lluch Martín. Calatayud (Zaragoza)²Enfermera. Servicio de Laboratorio. Hospital Ernest Lluch Martín. Calatayud (Zaragoza)

Contact address

José Antonio Vaz Rodríguez. C/ Arquitecto Medarde, 17, 4º I. 50300 Calatayud (Zaragoza).

Contact email: enfermerito_2005@hotmail.com

Abstract

Thoracic drainage consists of placing a tube in the pleural cavity to evacuate air, fluid or blood, which leads to pulmonary collapse of a variable degree with a clinical repercussion depending on the patient’s previous ventilation reserve and the extent of collapse.
There are several models of thoracic tubes, as well as pleural drainage systems. Current thoracic closed drainage systems are disposable and guarantee optimal and safe patient management. Nursing care is fundamental throughout the process of placement of drainage systems, both in terms of preparation of the patient, insertion and proper maintenance for the success of the treatment, as well as the removal and after-care; therefore, knowledge of the basic technical principles for correct use thereof will enable effective and efficient maintenance of the drainage system and the control, follow-up and evaluation of the patient.

Keywords:

Thoracic drainage; pleural drainage; pneumothorax; haemothorax; Pleur-evac®; nursing care

Versión en Español

Título:

Cuidados enfermeros al paciente portador de drenaje torácico