Chest Tubes and Catheters Overview

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to chest tubes, catheters, and their uses in medical practice.

Atelectasis

Partial collapse of the lung.

Pneumothorax

Total collapse of the lung.

Hemothorax

Blood accumulation between the wall and lungs.

Pleural Effusion

Fluid accumulation between the tissues of the lungs.

Empyema

Pus accumulation between the tissues.

Endotracheal Tubes

Tubing inserted through the mouth into the trachea for oxygen needs.

Tracheal Bifurcation (Carina)

The point where the trachea divides into the right and left bronchi.

NG Tubes

Tubes inserted into the nasopharynx for feeding, medication, or treating obstructions.

Tracheostomy Tubes

Surgically placed tubes for patients who cannot speak or expectorate secretions.

Thoracotomy

Surgical creation of an opening into the chest cavity for treating lung diseases.

Water-sealed drainage unit

A unit used with chest tubes to maintain correct intrapleural pressure.

Penrose Drain

A soft rubber tube kept from slipping into the wound by a sterile safety pin.

Jackson-Pratt Drain

A bulb that creates low-pressure suction when squeezed and allowed to expand.

Gastrostomy Tube

A tube for feeding purposes with a surgical opening into the stomach.

Central Venous Catheters

Devices used for long-term medication administration or TPN.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Nutrition administration directly into a central vein for hyperosmotic solutions.

PICC Line

A type of central venous catheter inserted into a peripheral vein, extending to a central vein.