Thoracostomy Tube Insertion Procedure

• If the patient is not otherwise sedated, local anesthesia (1% lidocaine) is administered to the area of insertion.
• A 2-cm incision is made over the rib and a subcutaneous tunnel is created.
• The pleural space is entered using a Kelly clamp and the tube is inserted apically and anteriorly for a pneumothorax or superiorly and posteriorly for a hemothorax or pleural effusion.
• The tube is secured to the skin of the chest wall and the container is connected to a controlled negative pressure suction.

Test your knowledge of the thoracostomy tube insertion procedure with this quiz. Questions cover the steps involved in the insertion, including anesthesia administration, incision making, pleural space entry, and tube securing.