What is a chest tube and what are the key nursing assessments?

A chest tube is inserted into the pleural space to drain air, blood, or fluid and restore negative pressure for lung re-expansion. Key nursing assessments include monitoring for tidaling in the water seal chamber, which is normal fluctuation with respirations confirming tube patency. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak. Check drainage color, amount, and consistency, reporting more than 200 milliliters per hour. Keep the drainage system below chest level at all times. Never clamp a chest tube without a provider order.