Sample interview questions: Can you explain your knowledge of different types of chest tubes and their management?
Sample answer:
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Types of Chest Tubes:
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Simple Chest Tube:
- Most commonly used
- Single lumen tube with a drainage port at the distal end
- Used for simple pleural effusions, pneumothorax, and hemothorax
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Underwater Seal Chest Tube:
- Has a water seal chamber attached to the drainage tubing
- Prevents air from entering the pleural space while allowing fluid to drain
- Used for more complex effusions or pneumothorax with persistent air leak
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Pleur-Evac Chest Tube:
- Active suction device attached to the drainage tubing
- Creates negative pressure in the pleural space, promoting drainage
- Used for large effusions or pneumothorax requiring aggressive drainage
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Double-Lumen Chest Tube:
- Two lumens: one for drainage and one for irrigation
- Used for empyema or complex pleural infections where irrigation and drainage are needed
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Triple-Lumen Chest Tube:
- Three lumens: one for drainage, one for irrigation, and one for instillation of medication
- Rarely used, typically for complex pleural infections or malignant effusions
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Management of Chest Tubes:
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Initial Placement:
- Requires sterile technique and proper patient positioning
- Insertion site is usually the 5th or 6th intercostal space in the midaxillary line
- Tube is advanced into the pleural space using a trocar or Seldinger technique
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Dressing and Securement:
- Sterile dressing applied around the insertion site to prevent infection
- Tube is se… Read full answer
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