[Thoracic drainage]

Pleural pathology is a frequent clinical problem. In some cases, treatment includes draining the cavity which can be carried out by thoracentesis evacuators, but on occasions treatment requires maintaining a drainage permanently inside the pleural cavity Pleural drainage consists in inserting a catheter in the pleural sack to drain the presence of air; liquid or blood which causes a variable degree of lung collapse having a clinical consequence in function of the reserve breathing capacity the patient previously had and the degree of collapse. There are various models of thoracic tubes as well as systems to drain the pleural cavity and their spot for insertion depends on the type of pathology being dealt with for the patient under treatment. Nursing is fundamental in this entire process, including in the preparation of the patient for this treatment, the insertion of the catheter and the adequate maintenance so that this procedure succeeds as well as during the removal of the catheter and the subsequent care required. It is fundamental that the nursing professionals know the materials used as well as their maintenance. A good technique to cure the punt/orifice where a catheter is inserted will prevent numerous complications which could be deadly for the patient. The authors create a procedural protocol for nurses to use when treating patients who have thoracic drains; this protocol deals with changing the catheters as well as the entire process related to how to treat patients with a pleural drain. This protocol should serve as reference material and as a guide to a systematic and homogenous working procedure.