Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
chest tube
A drainage catheter inserted into the pleural space to remove air, blood, or fluid from around the lungs.
Full Definition
A chest tube is a large-bore catheter placed through the chest wall into the pleural space to drain abnormal collections of air, blood, or fluid. In surgical critical care, chest tubes are essential after thoracic surgery and for treating pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusions. Management includes monitoring drainage output, ensuring proper water seal function, and assessing for air leaks. Complications include tube malposition, clogging, or inadvertent removal, which can be life-threatening.
Usage
Usage note: Physical device; distinguish from thoracostomy (procedure) and thoracentesis (needle aspiration).
In Context
- "Left chest tube output decreased to 50 mL over 24 hours with no air leak." — Nursing assessment
- "Chest tube insertion relieved the tension pneumothorax immediately." — Emergency procedure note
Also known as
thoracostomy tube
pleural drain
Don't confuse with
thoracostomy
thoracentesis needle