b. Assembling the Necessary Equipment. Assemble the following:
(1)
Thoracotomy tray (obtain from CMS).
(2)
Sterile gloves.
(3)
Padded hemostats.
(4)
Suture material.
(5)
Local anesthetic.
(6)
Chest tube and connector.
(7) Chest drainage system: connecting tubing and collection bottles, or
commercial system.
(8)
Suction apparatus (if ordered).
(9)
Mobile table or stand.
c. Preparation for the Procedure.
(1)
Explain the procedure to the patient.
(2)
Obtain and record vital signs.
(3)
(4)
Set up and test the suction apparatus if one is ordered.
(5) Screen the patient and remove pajama coat to expose the chest. The
insertion site will depend upon the presence of air or fluid.
(6)
Position the patient as directed by the physician.
d. Assisting with Chest Tube Insertion.
(1)
Set up the thoracotomy tray on the instrument table, using sterile
technique.
(2)
Using sterile technique, place other supplies on the sterile field.
(3) Assist the physician with the skin prep and administration of local
anesthetic as for thoracentesis.
MD0917
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