Pleural Drains in Adults
Published: August 2016. Next review: 2024.
The Pleural Drains in Adults - A Consensus Guideline has been developed with the aim to improve the care provided to adult patients with a pleural drain in NSW acute hospital facilities. The recommendations contained within this document may also be suitable for older adolescents requiring pleural drain insertion.
The guideline describes aspects of clinical care, clinician skills and processes within a facility that if followed will reduce the risks associated with the insertion of pleural drains (non-emergency), ongoing management, trouble shooting and removal of pleural drains in adult patients.
This video is also divided into seven sections, available on the following pages:
Part 1: Equipment set up
Equipment required for pleural drain insertion
Part 2: Patient positioning and observations
Position the patient
Part 3: Locating an appropriate insertion site
Confirm the site for drain insertion
Part 4: Pre-insertion risk assessment and Time Out
Skilled Operators
Part 5: Insertion of a pleural drain by the Seldinger technique
Seldinger technique
Part 6: Suture and samples
Seldinger technique
Part 7: Dressing
Secure the drain and connections
Resources
Pleural drains in adults - a consensus guideline (pdf)
This guideline has been developed with the aim to improve the care provided to adult patients with a pleural drain in NSW acute hospital facilities. Cover image shows preparing a patient for insertion of the pleural drain in the triangle of safety.
- Chest drain (under water seal drain) observation chart (pdf)
- Guidance for assessing competency in pleural procedures for advanced trainees and specialist nurses (pdf)
- Insertion of a chest drain [flowchart] (pdf)
- Diagnostic algorithm for the investigation of a unilateral pleural effusion
For more information, questions or comments about the Guideline, please contact the Respiratory Network.