WET VS DRY CHEST TUBE COMPARISON

LEARNING TIP: CLINICAL TIP:

Chest drainage with use of suction removes air or fluid Amount of suction is dependent on the provider order,
from the pleural space and recreates negative be sure to check prior to connecting suction to client.
pressure.

Wet suction: Dry suction:

Gentle bubbling in suction control indicates suction Silent system. Bubbling indicates a leak.
is working. Self-regulating. Negative
Water level controls pressure is controlled by vents
negative pressure. and controlled release system,
As water evaporates, the can be set to suction or gravity.
negative pressure can
change, so it is important Considerations:
to check water level
frequently. • Wider range of
suction levels

• Quieter
Considerations:
• Faster setup
• Water evaporation

• Longer set up time CLINICAL TIP:

• If system is knocked Orange bellow inflated

over, water can get indicates the client is
into other chambers. connected to suction.

LEARNING TIP:
LEARNING TIP:
Water level indicates
amount of suction Suction is controlled by
(e.g. - 20 cm H2O). the dial.

CLINICAL SAFETY TIPS:

1. Both wet and dry suction have air leak chambers in the bottom left corner. Higher numbers indicate worsening air leaks.

2. Never lift drain above chest level.

NOTES

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