NursingComplex Interventions NursesNursing CarePneumothoraxPatient SafetyPleural EffusionPleural DiseaseThoracic SurgerySurgeryChest InjuryMedicinePleural DrainsHospital Medicine
This article is the eighth in our 'Care is Critical' series on complex interventions nurses have to manage in acute general wards and in the community. This article looks at the management of pleural drains and gives an overview of the relevant anatomy and physiology. Some of the conditions that may result in a chest tube being inserted are described and the nursing care discussed.