Performed to evacuate an ongoing production of air/fluid into the pleural space or fluid that is too viscous to be aspirated by thoracentesis

Indications:
Posterior chest tube
Hemothorax Pneumothorax (> 15%) Symptomatic pneumothorax of any size Persistent pleural effusion Empyema

Anterior chest tube

Pneumothorax (> 15%)

Identify the fifth intercostal space in the anterior axillary line this is where the tube will enter the pleural space; the incision is made at the level of the sixth intercostal space lateral to the nipple but medial to the edge of the latissimus dorsi.or Identify the second intercostal space lateral to the sternal angle of Louie in the midclavicular line (if pneumothorax)

Poor positioning Persistent pneumothorax

Hemorrhage or lung injury

If output is > 200 ml/hr or 1.5 L total or patient is

unstable, then emergent thoracotomy is indicated.

Cardiac dysrhythmias