Essay On Chest Tube

Chest Tube Insertion, Infant

A chest tube is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the space between lung and chest wall. Air or fluid can collect in this space and cause infants to have breathing trouble. Infants at risk for this complication include those who:
• Have lungs that are not fully developed at birth.
• Breathe in stool during the birth process (meconium aspiration).
• Need to be on a machine to help them breathe (ventilator).
• Have surgery on the heart or lungs.
• Have a chest injury or infection.
The chest tube drains the fluid or air from the lung. It may be attached to a suction device to help with drainage. Your baby will need to stay in the hospital while the chest tube is in place.

LET YOUR
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to medicines.
• Lung damage.
• Damage to the blood vessels or nerves near the lung.
• Chest tube failing to work properly.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• Your baby will have a chest X-ray or other imaging studies of the lung.
• Follow instructions from your baby’s health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Ask your baby’s health care provider about:
○ Changing or stopping regular medicines. This is especially important if your baby is taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
○ Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your baby’s blood. Do not give your baby take medicines before the procedure if your baby’s health care provider instructs you not to.

PROCEDURE
• To reduce your baby’s risk of infection:
○ Your baby’s health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
○ Your baby’s skin will be washed with soap.
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your baby’s veins.
• Your baby will be given one or more of the following:
○ A medicine to help your baby relax (sedative).
○ A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
• Your baby will be turned on his or her