Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
chest tube
Drainage catheter placed through the chest wall to remove air, blood, or fluid from the pleural space.
Full Definition
A flexible drainage tube inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to treat pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. In pediatric critical care, chest tube placement requires careful sizing and positioning, typically using the fourth or fifth intercostal space in the midaxillary line. The tube connects to a drainage system with water seal and suction to maintain negative pleural pressure and allow lung re-expansion. Monitoring includes output measurement, air leak assessment, and prevention of complications.
Usage
Usage note: Include French size and insertion location in documentation. Monitor for air leaks and output volume.
In Context
- "A 20 French chest tube was placed for drainage of the right-sided pneumothorax." — Procedural documentation
- "The chest tube output decreased to less than 2 mL/kg/day, meeting criteria for removal." — Daily assessment note
Also known as
thoracostomy tube
pleural drain
Don't confuse with
central line
nasogastric tube