University Hospital and Clinical Programs
Professional Nursing Organization
PROCEDURES
 ADDENDA

 
33. WATER-SEAL CHEST DRAINAGE, MANAGING THE PATIENT WITH

 

Irrigation of Chest Tube

Solutions will be instilled ONLY into chest tubes placed into post-resection chest cavities.

  1. Cleanse distal portion of chest tube with Betadine soaked 4 X 4 gauze.
  2. Cross-clamp chest tube with 2 chest clamps.
  3. Using a Toomey syringe, draw up appropriate amount of irrigating solution per M.D. orders using sterile technique.
  4. Disconnect chest tube and hold both ends of chest tube to avoid contamination.
  5. Insert Toomey syringe into chest tube outlet.
  6. Remove chest clamps and instill solution gently as chest clamps are released.
  7. Replace clamps before removing Toomey syringe.
  8. Reconnect chest tube and retape lengthwise and spiral tape.