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Care of Chest Tubes

Chest tubes are inserted into the chest wall of a patient to allow for drainage of fluid or blood from the lungs, or to allow trapped air to escape. Used for treating such conditions as a collapsed lung or to control bleeding into the chest cavity, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that chest tubes are usually left in until the X-ray or MRI shows a clean lung and chest cavity, with no displaced fluids left to build up.

  1. At Home

    • Whenever there is an opening from inside the body to the outside, you are at increased risk of infection and complications. When you are released from the hospital or outpatient procedure with a chest tube, there are certain requirements for keeping the tube clean and avoiding serious infection. Usually a nurse will show you at the hospital or on a home visit how to properly care for the tubing and to make sure that there is no infection. You will learn how to keep the dressings dry and how to make sure that the tube is draining the way it is supposed to. She'll show you how to clean the tubing and bag, and when and how to change the bag when it is full.

    General Care

    • Always make sure that the red arrow on the tube is pointed in the correct direction. You can tell this from the arrow on the tubing itself; the arrow must always point to the bag to ensure that the fluids are not going back into the chest. For the same reason, make sure that the bag is kept below your waist.

      If you have to cough, cover the tube with a large towel or pillow and then cough. This will protect the tubing and keep it from being dislodged by the force of the cough. When taking a shower, make sure that the tube is covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from getting wet.

    Contact Your Doctor Immediately

    • Contact your doctor immediately if you notice pus or a foul smell coming from the insertion site, as this in an indication of infection. Other situations include sudden onset of breathing difficulty, increased pain or pain that you didn't have before, or a high fever (over 101°F).

      Keep a watchful eye on your tubing. If you notice leakage around the insertion site, if you see blood in the tubing or bag or at the insertion site, call your doctor. If you see redness around the insertion site, or experience soreness or swelling, see your doctor as soon as possible, as this indicates severe infection.

      If the tube comes out altogether, call for help immediately. If it is after hours, call 911 and have EMTs respond. Place a clean gauze pad over the insertion site and press firmly. Take measured breaths and don't panic.

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