Description
Objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the thoracic cavity.
• Understand the indications, purpose, and function of a chest tube.
• Review the different types of chest tubes and drainage systems including monitoring and maintenance.
• Address common complications and troubleshooting.
• Explore recent innovations and advances in chest tubes.
Description:
Many nurses find caring for a patient with chest tubes intimidating. Chest tubes and their accompanying under-water sealed drainage system are designed to allow air or fluid to be removed from the pleural cavity. Although they can save lives, chest tubes can pose significant risks unless assessed and managed properly. Once you understand the basics and how to minimize the risks associated with unanticipated events, complications and poor management, you can be confident when caring for patients with chest tubes. Join our expert Holly Feist, RN, BN, MN, ACCN, who will review the indications and functions of chest tubes; the different types of chest tubes and drainage systems, including monitoring and maintenance; complications and troubleshooting; and will discuss some recent innovations and advances in chest tubes.
Who Should Attend?:
• Nurses in all Adult Acute Care, Emergency, Respiratory and Complex Care Settings
• Nurses in Specialized Medical – Surgical Settings, Surgical Suite and PACU Settings; and Special Procedures Areas
• New RN’s, LPN’s or Students or those planning employment in the above settings
• RRT’s and Chest Physiotherapists
• Health Care and Nursing Educators, Specialists, clinicians and Managers from the above settings
Holly Feist, RN BN, MN, ACCN
Holly has spent much of her career in the Calgary area, primarily working in emergency departments and intensive care units at the Foothills Medical Centre (Level 1 trauma centre for Southern Alberta). She also served as a clinical nurse specialist in the pediatric intensive care unit at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
When not working shifts in the ED, Holly is an associate professor and course coordinator in the Advanced Studies for Critical Care Nursing (ACCN) Program – Emergency Stream at Mount Royal University (MRU) in Calgary. Additionally, she serves as a fellow in simulation with the Health Simulation Learning Centre (HSLC) at MRU.
Holly’s graduate research focused on educating acute care nurses about the phenomenon of urgency in relation to rapid response systems (RRS) and deteriorating patients. She was instrumental in piloting the first documented introduction of a RRS that responds to ED calls and has presented on this topic worldwide. Her current research interests include teaching and learning, simulation, and exploring nurses’ intent to remain in critical care environments. Holly is passionate about engaging with others on their experiences in the ED and ICU and welcomes contact at hfeist@mtroyal.ca.
In her spare time, Holly enjoys reading, making handmade cards, walking her dogs, teasing her nephew, and travelling the world.
