Pleural Decompression: Difference between revisions
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'''EQUIPMENT:''' | '''EQUIPMENT:''' | ||
* | * Appropriate sized needle. | ||
* Sterile glove finger. | * Sterile glove finger. | ||
* Thread the #14 gauge catheter through the end of the glove finger from the inside. | * Thread the #14 gauge catheter through the end of the glove finger from the inside. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
* Flutter valve must be outside dressing and unobstructed. | * Flutter valve must be outside dressing and unobstructed. | ||
* Assess breath sounds and respiratory status. | * Assess breath sounds and respiratory status. | ||
[[Category:Procedure Guidelines|0926]] | |||
Latest revision as of 13:06, 25 August 2025
Section 9 - Procedure Guidelines
9.26 PLEURAL DECOMPRESSION
INDICATIONS:
- Chest decompression for relief of tension pneumothorax.
EQUIPMENT:
- Appropriate sized needle.
- Sterile glove finger.
- Thread the #14 gauge catheter through the end of the glove finger from the inside.
- Tape.
- Sterile gauze pads.
- Antiseptic swabs.
- Occlusive dressing.
PROCEDURE:
- Locate decompression site.
- Identify the 2nd intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line on the same side as the pneumothorax. OR
- Identify the 5th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line on the same side as the pneumothorax.
- Prepare the site with an antiseptic swab:
- Firmly introduce catheter immediately above the distal rib of the site selected with a glove finger placed over the needle and catheter to serve as a flutter valve.
- Insert the catheter through the parietal pleura until air exits. It should exit under pressure.
- Advance catheter and remove needle.
- Secure the catheter taking care not to allow it to kink.
- Reassess lung sounds and patient condition.
- Dress area with Occlusive dressing then cover with sterile gauze pad.
- Flutter valve must be outside dressing and unobstructed.
- Assess breath sounds and respiratory status.
