Nursing management of patients witli a ciiest drain

Chest drains incorporate the use ofa one-way valve to drain fluid or air from the pleural cavity. The valve prevents back-flow of air and fluid into the pleural cavity. They are indicated for use when collections of fluid or air are present in the pleural space, and by draining the collection they restore eÖScient gaseous exchange. Little has heen written on the nursing managetnent of chest drains and the literature highlights a lack of national standardized guidelines for due to the range of thoracic conditions encountered hy clinical staff. Themes such as pain management and mechanism of breathing occur frequently; however, there is a lack of up-to-date literature for the nurse to refer to. This article examines the nursing role in chest drain management from insertion to removal and includes aspects of pain management and features of a functioning chest drain.